‘AEW Rampage’ Review (Jan 27th 2023)
It’s Monday so you know what that means, it’s time for our weekly review of AEW: Rampage! This week’s show features Chris Jericho, Excalibur, Tony Schiavone and Jim Ross on commentary. Now let’s get to the review…
Match #1: “Hangman” Adam Page def. Wheeler Yuta
My Thoughts: This was a hard-hitting, well-fought match that at once showed that Adam Page is really ready for his rematch against Jon Moxley AND that Wheeler Yuta has actually learnt from his time with the Blackpool Combat Club – Yuta kept his high-flying moves in play but backed them up with the more “strong style” work of Moxley and Danielson. Which actually meant that this was probably the best tune-up match Page could’ve had going into this week’s Dynamite!
My Score: 4 out of 5
Match #2: Jeff Jarrett, Satnam Singh & Jay Lethal def. Best Friends (Trent Barretta and Chuck Taylor) & Danhausen
My Thoughts: This was a weird combination of comedy and decent wrestling, which meant the whole thing ultimately felt a little muddled. No idea where the Paul Walter Hauser Golden Globe thing is going though… Jeff and Jay are carrying it around with them in a box and used it as a weapon in this match!
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Powerhouse Hobbs def. Tony Mudd
My Thoughts: This was another one of the usual mid-card Rampage squash matches that have proliferated what was once a three-match show, adding some extra action – but no action that’s ever of any consequence. This one just backed up the promos Hobbs has been putting out but I still don’t see where this is going yet.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: Jamie Hayter def. Emi Sakura
My Thoughts: OMG this was a great match. Absolutely fantastic to see Emi Sakura on TV and not just relegated to YouTube where she’s admittedly been a long-standing and super-reliable performer. To see her take on Jamie Hayter was a real treat. Truly. As for Jamie Hayter herself, well I’ve seen people on Twitter say she’s the best women’s champion AEW has had in their short tenure and, well, I have to agree and facing folks like Emi Sakura and delivering matches of this quality only cements that!
