Before diving into the main event, there was a passionate outcry as Athena celebrated her victory in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match, which will surely be remembered fondly. The Texas death match, though somber, maintained a consistent intensity throughout.
This bout was preceded by an exciting buildup, yet some elements felt slightly off. Ending the pay-per-view on a down note seemed to overshadow the positive moments, leaving the audience feeling somewhat defeated. Nonetheless, the significance of delivering an incredible performance in front of over 25,000 fans at a baseball stadium cannot be understated.
The match felt like a climactic confrontation between formidable opponents, making it worthy of a second viewing to capture its full impact. Despite the bloodshed and brutal weapon use, John Moxley presented a commanding performance, embracing his role as the ultimate heel. He challenged Hangman Page with a relentless ferocity, prompting fans to regard the stakes as high. Hangman’s every move reverberated through the crowd, fueling belief that an upset was possible against Moxley, who had dominated AEW for months.
Concerns arose that this match could resemble the Cody Rhodes/Roman Reigns showdown from WrestleMania 40, particularly with high-profile wrestlers like Will Ospreay, Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and Swerve Strickland involved. While the stakes may not have reached a dramatic peak, they certainly contributed to the overall experience.
This match is not for the faint-hearted; it was both violent and gory, straddling the line of audience discomfort. Moxley’s appearance post-match, with his head resembling a colander after Hangman’s assault, epitomizes AEW’s embrace of an unapologetically gritty style that fans can relish.
Fan Take: This match underscores the evolution of wrestling in AEW, emphasizing not just athletic skill but also storytelling through brutality. For wrestling enthusiasts, this represents a bold direction that could redefine the sport’s landscape, highlighting the importance of emotional investment in matches.
