AEW Double Or Nothing: Star Ratings For All 9 Matches

9. 21-Man Casino Battle Royale

A very divisive match, subjectively, this was as entertaining as hell, though ill-advised as an eye-catching mission statement. The undiluted, carefree postmodern approach didn't reflect AEW's apparent real-sports M.O.

Objectively, this probably failed in its dual objectives.

It did not appeal to a curious casual fanbase hovering over the 'Order' button. To a lapsed WWE fan, it seemed to delight in living down to the Independent scene's reputation. Orange Cassidy's casual, limp kicks, the sheer, tiny size of Marko Stunt, and Joey Janela's deranged bumping were consummately Indyrrific. A celebration for the boys but an alienating in-joke to prospective new fans, the onslaught of comedy undermined the stakes. A match in which Tommy Dreamer's face was repeatedly forced into a c*ck and balls will directly inform the lineage of the company's top title. It was tonally at odds with all the hype.

Beyond that, the Kevin Dunn-esque production nightmares, and the confusing and anticlimactic order of entrances, this was MJF's total riot of a debutante ball. The first thing he did was target the guy with no legs and reprimand him for having no feet. Of course he did.

Ultimately, AEW maximised the appeal of a potential superstar in a dazzling coming out party, just babyfaced Hangman Page sufficiently, and created scope for a tantalising midcard programme ahead of AEW's TV debut.

Star Rating: ***1/4