by AEW has not only survived throughout their first year into their second, but they have also thrived! One big reason why is how well they do PPV. Tonight, they had another chance to show that with Full Gear 2020. Let’s get right to it as this was by far the best PPV of 2020.
Hangman Page vs Kenny Omega
Result & Takeaway – Interesting choice to have this match on first as it could have main evented and no one would have complained. It lived up to the hype it was given as these two continue to prove their “Elite” status in the world of wrestling. I’m a little surprised they gave the nod to Omega as I see Hangman Page having the look and all the skills needed to be the next Shawn Michaels. Omega will now get a future world title shot.
Orange Cassidy vs John Silver
Result & Takeaway – It was smart to get OC back on the winning path after a brief hiccup with the loss to Cody. AEW has shown they have some serious faith in OC. Silver looked good too, this match did well for both of them. It was quick and to the point, but it got the job done.
Cody vs Darby Allin
Result & Takeaway – It gets better every time these two fight. I loved the intro for Cody as well as he is now once again known as Cody Rhodes! How do you not pop for that? Darby Allin is determined to show everyone he is not the next Vampiro but rather the next Jeff Hardy.
For whatever reason it is like the announcers, Cody and the fans cannot decide if Cody is supposed to be a face or cocky heel. It makes no sense at times but keeps the reality of the situation going. The way they announce Cody matches make you truly feel that you are watching an actual sporting event.
It was a shocking move to let Darby Allin get over on Cody, but this is the type of thing that will keep fans tuning in. Allin looked great tonight in the role of underdog and this feud is showing it has some serious legs to it.
Yet again, Cody Rhodes does what is best for business and not his ego. That is why this company will succeed. Also, Allin proved tonight that he is the next Jeff Hardy, and not the next Vampiro.
The post-match beatdown by Cage & Starks made little sense however. If they’re so proud of their meaningless FTW Championship, why are they going after the TNT belt? Cage launching Allin through the set piece was kind of cool however.
Hikaru Shida vs Nyla Rose
Result & Takeaway – Smart move keeping the belt with Shida. No need to try another Rose title run after the first one went so poorly. Shida showed again she can carry anyone into a decent match. The feud with Britt Baker needs to begin sooner than later, no one else in the division could do her justice.
FTR vs The Young Bucks
Result & Takeaway – This was another match that lived up to the hype and became an instant classic. FTR used every classic 1980’s – early 1990’s WWF Tag Team finishing move to try to put the Young Bucks away. Meanwhile it was The Young Bucks using every high spot you saw during the attitude Era tag teams. This was great as the clash of styles made for a throwback gem!
The match already had the Matt Jackson ankle injury storyline to work with, then when Dax Hardwood legit cut his hand minutes into the match, it just got even grittier. I’ll say it again, this match was every bit as good as it was billed to be.
It may have surpassed the Young Bucks vs Omega / Page Tag Match from Revolution earlier this year. The best part is that with FTR losing, we are guaranteed a rematch of this instant classic! 28 plus minutes of pure brilliance!
Matt Hardy vs Sammy Guevara
Result & Takeaway – Welcome to 2020 the year of the cinema match! This is where you get fights in backyards with men like Gangrel, Hurricane Helms and Roman Candles. This was extremely entertaining as they fought all over the Hardy Compound. A lot of great one liners by the announce team as well.
As far as we know, Matt Hardy has two rings at his house, and for whatever reason a coffin and a white piano in his garage. There has been some interesting Cinema matches this year, but this one may have surpassed the Boneyard Match as the one most well done.
Outstanding match but it may have been better served to finally let Sammy Guevara win a big match. He remains 0 for the century in them.
Chris Jericho vs MJF
Result & Takeaway – I didn’t think the first and only clunker of the night would have come from them. I also didn’t think this match was suited to go on second last, but that’s exactly what went down.
I hate to say it, but it wasn’t good. I’m not sure why MJF is headed to the Inner Circle, it won’t last and it wasn’t needed. I would have much rather seen Wardlow breaking off onto his own full time.
Jon Moxley vs Eddie Kingston
Result & Takeaway – I could think of about 500 other wrestlers I would have rather seen in the main event of this EXCELLENT PPV other than Eddie Kingston. But he took a good beating and that’s what the Indy Marks seem to like him for. He did again tonight.
Kingston looks like the guy who should be delivering my pizza, not the face of a rising National Wrestling Promotion. The Indy dorks love this guy though, so he got his title match on a PPV. Excalibur on commentary sounding like he was trying not to cry the whole time didn’t help matters either.
