10 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Revolution

5. MJF Takes Chapter One

Throw Cody vs. MJF somewhere between the Shawn Spears and Wardlow bouts when ranking 'The American Nightmare's' old-school, territory-style epics. This wasn't the melodramatic instant classic many would have expected. Indeed, it was a minor letdown that suffered from notable pacing issues after a red hot start, though it was still very, very good, and an appropriate first in-ring instalment in a rivalry that is far from over.

Downstait's live performance was almost comically bad. Cody and MJF banished this straight away, with 'The Nightmare' practically frothing as the prospect of getting his hands on his former protégé and young Maxwell taking a powder almost immediately. 'The Salt of the Earth' sought refuge in the crowd, threw beer over a fan, and shot for ultimate frustration. It was an effective first act that had the audience baying for his blood even more than they were before the bell.

Cody was full of fire, taking a page from The Great Muta's playbook by taking a massive run-up from the ramp to clothesline MJF over the top rope. His opponent was all about the shortcuts. It was clear he'd have to take every single one to best his old mentor here, and he did, whether he was talking smack, targeting Cody's broken toe, or nailing low blows. This theme continued with the seconds on the outside. Brandi Rhodes, Arn Anderson, and Wardlow all came into play, with the most notable spot seeing Anderson downed by a wayward Cody kick, as Wardlow threatened to F5 Brandi. Overbooked? A tad, perhaps, but effective nonetheless.

MJF took the win by blasting Cody with the previously-concealed Dynamite Diamond Ring. He was a rightful winner. Revolution wasn't the right time to pay this thing off with a babyface win and now, in victory, MJF is a made man. Here's to the next chapter.