11 Match Star Ratings From AEW Double Or Nothing 2023

8. Adam Cole Vs. Chris Jericho - Unsanctioned Match

Kenny Omega Bryan Danielson
AEW

This was a massive let-down, sadly.

Tonally, it was uneven; AEW in 2023 in microcosm. Guest Enforcer Sabu put a JAS lackey through a table (!) in order to prevent the stable interfering throughout (and filling a plot hole in the process). The problem is that, between this wacky spot and Jericho's very essence, it was difficult to take seriously as a vicious grudge match no matter how the wider story had unfolded on TV. The fans vocally rejected the finish, possibly because they don't see Cole as a badass despite loving him for what he is. A chain-wrapped fist knocking a man unconscious?

That would be bold even for Jon Moxley.

It felt like events were conspiring against both throughout. A miscommunication led to an awkward scramble to get out of the wrong position ahead of a lionsault. It took an eternity for Cole to reach for and set off a fire extinguisher when breaking up a Liontamer, which undermined the visual gag. And again: was crafting a visual gag that great an idea ahead of that super-serious finish?

This was a failure despite some lovely sequences, Britt Baker's assault on Chris Jericho and Cole's dramatic tumble through Chekhov's table in particular.

Star Rating: ★★¾

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!