13 Match Star Ratings For AEW Double Or Nothing 2022
12. MJF Vs. Wardlow
It's difficult to rate this match in the context of the star rating system because the action was unfussy, simple, and to the point.
The system mostly rewards long, twisting, action-heavy matches, though there's an argument to be made that matches should be rated in line with their ambition. An awesome squash match can be five stars. A great, 12 minute TV match that puts a wrestler over and gets their opponent over can be five stars. A comedy match can be five stars. All of these genres can be five stars if they excel to an unparalleled standard.
The issue is that it's difficult to categorise what this match was. 'A superstar babyface over-killing the d*ckhead heel against a backdrop of pure jubilation' is unwieldy, so it's easier to class it as an elongated squash.
Everybody knew of the situation involving MJF that unfolded over the weekend, and if possible, he was received as an even more loathed heel. He tried to escape. He tried to use the ring. Nothing worked. This was the ultra-cathartic story of a desperate, awful character running out of road and eating sh*t.
The crowd went ballistic for the entire thing and every beat was registered to perfection. This powerbomb festival was the last scene in the finale of a prestige drama series in content and, potentially, reality.
If this is the end, AEW will be worse off without MJF. Immeasurably so.
And yet, the Wardlow story was so good that, in the moment at least, the fans were thrilled to watch him go.
Star Rating: ★★★¾