One of the most eagerly awaited matches in AEW history was the showdown between “Hangman” Adam Page and Will Ospreay. The match ended memorably with Page delivering the Backshot Lariat to Ospreay, securing both the Men’s Owen Hart Cup tournament victory and earning a title shot against Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at AEW All Out.
Interestingly, there was ongoing discussion leading up to the match about who should win. Reports from Fightful Select revealed that Page wanted Ospreay to come out on top, while Ospreay preferred Page to take the victory. Jon Moxley’s stance on this is unclear, but he has generally supported Page as his opponent in AEW. AEW owner Tony Khan appears to have sided with Page, aligning with Moxley’s preference.
This decision caused surprise within the AEW locker room, where many expected Ospreay to win. The outcome was kept secret by Khan, adding to the shock felt by many fans and wrestlers alike. The unusual dynamic of wrestlers wanting their opponents to win contrasts sharply with wrestling history, where top stars typically push to secure their own victories.
Fan Take: This surprising decision highlights AEW’s commitment to unpredictable storytelling, which keeps the audience engaged and invested. For AEW fans, it shows that the company isn’t afraid to shake up expectations, potentially elevating the sport’s drama and competition to new heights.
