Spotlight on the Match
Welcome to the newest edition of WINC Match Spotlight, where we dive deep into a specific match to assess its highlights, flaws, and its significance in wrestling history. With AEW’s End of the World approaching, Samoa Joe will defend his World Championship against Swerve Strickland, "Hangman" Adam Page, and MJF. Joe previously claimed the title from Page at Full Gear, while Strickland made his return to AEW, and MJF just showed up last week, prepared to join this already fierce competition.
The competitors in this match all share intense histories. Notably, Strickland once took the title from Joe, who in turn dethroned MJF for his first championship. Interestingly, former rivals Strickland and Page are now somewhat allied after over a decade of animosity. With Page and Strickland determined to defeat Joe, the stakes are high: Page is bent on preventing Joe from maintaining his grip on the championship, while Strickland longs for his first title win.
Their rivalry has included dramatic moments, such as Strickland breaking into Page’s home, prompting Page to burn Strickland’s house in retaliation. This escalated their conflict, leading to a singles match and a Texas Death Match, both won by Strickland. Their fierce competition ultimately resulted in a trilogy match to determine the No. 1 contender, paving the way for this much-anticipated showdown at Revolution.
Character Interplay and Storylines
Samoa Joe is now defending his title in what marks his primary major defense, skillfully managing to evade traps early in the match. Page’s actions are fueled by a desire for revenge against Strickland for past grievances, driving him on a relentless path back to the championship. As Strickland enters as a heel and Page as a determined competitor, the dynamics among these three—the heel, the tweener, and the babyface—add depth to the match. Moreover, they are undoubtedly the three most skilled wrestlers in the promotion.
As mentioned in previous features, three-way matches blend the thrill of mistakes with escalating excitement. When a competitor narrowly escapes a finisher, the tension builds significantly. With three wrestlers involved, the third participant often modifies the match’s momentum, adding layers to the drama unfolding in the ring. This was evident when Joe executed a powerbomb on Page before being intercepted by Strickland. Page’s desperation was showcased when he pulled the referee away, striking Strickland with a belt and hitting Joe with a buckshot lariat.
Hangman Page: A Paradox of Loss and Triumph
Though Page was the first to remove the referee from the match, he ultimately could not secure a victory. Overwhelmed by despair, he found the match slipping away, leading to Joe locking in a Coquina Clutch, nearly sealing his fate. Just as Strickland attempted to break up the hold, Page’s frustration was evident as he protested the referee’s decisions. His efforts included executing more buckshot lariats, which unfortunately backfired when Strickland retaliated with his own, followed by the JML Driver.
The crowd’s anticipation reached fever pitch as they awaited Strickland’s possible crowning as champion. In a shocking turn, Joe eliminated Strickland, only to trap Page in the Coquina Clutch, further darkening Page’s chances of regaining his title. This twist led to a critical moment where, despite being an obstacle, Joe’s attack provided a unique chance for Page, who, while ultimately losing, managed to defy Strickland, marking a small victory amidst his defeat. Even though Page didn’t clinch the title himself, his rivalry with Strickland intensified, further igniting interest for future title matches.
Editorial Note
This match holds significant weight for wrestling fans as it exemplifies the blending of personal stories and character development within the sport. The intricacies of past rivalries and alliances enhance the overall spectacle of wrestling, indicating that upcoming matches will likely be rich with narratives that keep the audience engaged.
