10 Essential AEW Matches For New Fans
4. Kenny Omega Vs Hangman Page - Full Gear 2020
One of the best pay-per-view openers in wrestling history, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page worked a ripper of a clash that provided so much bang for the buyer's buck without giving away anything that would be needed for rainier days in their fractured relationship.
Foreshadowing a relationship with 'The Best Bout Machine' that would transform both their careers and the landscape of AEW in the subsequent months, then-Impact EVP Don Callis took a seat at the commentary table ostensibly to see his man ascend to the Number One Contender's position. Omega excelled beyond that.
Taking a programme between the two that had been crafted magnificently with melodrama at its core, the match subverted expectations spectacularly. The macro story was for another day - here they thrilled with execution and grace rather than narrative heft. The only frills to be found were on Page's attire, and they weren't permitted to stop moving thanks to the lightning quick pace maintained throughout.
Marvel at this as a middle chapter - because it'd never be straightforward for the two again. Former tag team Champions fighting fire-with-fire for a shot at singles glory was all this was supposed to be at surface level, even if the hand of the real author was still invisible.