10 Match Star Ratings For AEW All Out
7. Kenny Omega Vs. PAC
In which the best version of Kenny Omega surfaced and plunged in confidence to put over PAC as a major, disrupting threat to AEW's packed main event picture.
The level of intricate detail in this match was incredible. Artful. The finish was foreshadowed within the opening, character-driven flex. Omega invited PAC to the ropes, aware that the Bastard would throw himself to the mat in a rope-run dance. Omega, with a real prick-like psychology, stepped lightly on his back. PAC in response, wrestling with a more serious disposition - in great contrast to Omega's Being The Elite promo, in which he criticised Jon Moxley for failing to do precisely that - drove his foot deep into Omega's spine.
A match built on shifting parity, PAC flipped out of Omega's Kitaro Crusher in a jaw-dropping moment, again, to put himself over as the real wrestler in contrast to Omega's (in character) pursuit of putting himself over as the best performer. The absurdly physical aerials were too committed, if anything - the more confined ringside environment endangered both men, resulting in a glaring botch at the finish - but they enhanced the explosive surge of the story.
The finish was inspired. PAC was put over with a real conviction, and the shock Brutaliser will inform the drama of the sequel, in which Omega will be reluctant to even attempt his One-Winged Angel.
Star Rating: ★★★★½