13 Match Star Ratings For AEW Full Gear 2022
6. Dr. Britt Baker, DMD Vs. Saraya
AEW invited the strange atmosphere by the way in which the match was built; it felt big, and while it's hardly good enough, elusive representation is still a good thing (provided heated, big-time grudge programmes become a regular fixture in the division).
Bluntly, nobody knew who to get behind. Saraya's comeback story is beyond admirable, since it wasn't just a broken neck that she overcame, but AEW is Britt Baker's house, and fans have wanted her to star as its flagship babyface for well over a year. In retrospect, it was probably a better idea to portray Saraya as a character who didn't know she could still this, but wanted to humbly set about trying before she was challenged by Serena Deeb.
The storytelling was logical; Baker targeted Saraya's neck throughout, and after a cheeky attempt to no-sell it early, Saraya endured the pain as the match reached a methodical pace. The idea was to rally fans behind the comeback, obviously, but the execution was lacking, and the distracting atmosphere brought it into focus. The Newark crowd wasn't in a generous or forgiving mood. When Sting botches, for example, it doesn't matter. It's Sting.
Saraya has yet to really endear herself to the base, and when she gently fell into Baker's arms with a flimsy cross-body block, for example, the spot fell flat.
A bit slow, and a bit quiet, the finishing sequence just about hauled the whole thing over the line. Baker's arsenal was over enough to draw a reaction when Saraya battled through it. Her facial expressions were strong. It was obvious that there's a major league wrestler in there still.
Hopefully, the lack of snap is a byproduct of ring rust.
Star Rating: ★★¾