Another significant AEW pay-per-view has wrapped up, bringing a mix of thrilling returns, new champions, and gripping storylines filled with action and drama. While some highlights include the impactful return of a former AEW World Champion and varied championship battles, certain aspects, like the extensive use of blood and the current handling of the AEW World Tag Team Championship, drew criticism. For a comprehensive recap, fans can check the Full Gear results page, but here’s a close look at notable likes and dislikes from the event.
Disliked was the excessive bloodshed throughout the show, particularly during consecutive hardcore matches featuring Kyle O’Reilly vs. Jon Moxley and Mark Briscoe vs. Kyle Fletcher, followed by a bleeding-heavy Steel Cage main event. The overuse of blood, especially with the audience fatigued after a long show, diminished the impact that such visuals could have had.
Kyle O’Reilly secured a significant victory by forcing Jon Moxley to submit again, marking a tough period for Moxley after recent losses and signaling a potential shift in dominance within the Death Riders faction. Their match stuck to a gritty, no-nonsense wrestling style that stood out amidst other hardcore bouts on the card.
The beloved underdog story of the Brodids came to an end at the hands of the formidable FTR, tagged with their obnoxious “11X” championship patch mocking their long reign, which many fans felt stagnated the tag team division. The return of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage hints at upcoming title changes and renewed rivalries, though some desire fresh faces to elevate the division rather than revolving veteran teams.
A favorite moment was the technical showdown between PAC and Darby Allin, who engaged in a fierce but rule-abiding bout that showcased their wrestling prowess without weapons or excessive gore. This match provided a perfect blend of storytelling and athleticism, standing out as a masterful way to kick off the pay-per-view.
However, there was frustration over the recurring “money matches,” which initially added exciting stakes but have become overused gimmicks. With massive cash prizes tossed around frequently, the impact of these high-stakes matches is weakening and risks becoming stale.
Lastly, the return of Swerve Strickland, after a long ACL injury layoff, brought fresh energy and a potential new direction to AEW’s main event scene. His challenge to the new AEW Men’s World Champion Samoa Joe offers promising narrative possibilities, especially with the ongoing tensions among factions and alliances shaping the roster’s future.
Fan Take: This event was pivotal for AEW fans as it balanced traditional wrestling artistry with intense storytelling, but also highlighted areas needing refinement, such as match pacing and storyline freshness. These developments could shape AEW’s direction, invigorate the tag team scene, and create compelling rivalries that keep the sport evolving and captivating audiences.
