4 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Rampage (Sep 3)

2. Kris Statlander Sends A Message

No, the handicap match pitting Kris Statlander vs. Rebel and Jamie Hayter wasn't the best, but then the actual match was always going to be secondary to prepping Statlander for Sunday's title shot opposite Britt Baker. That, and capturing Britt's horror when he sidekicks flopped, was the most important thing here.

AEW can consider this a win.

Seeing Red Velvet rush out to even the numbers a little was good too. She's had business with Britt and pals, so it wouldn't have made sense for her to sit back and watch them beat someone up three-on-one. Again, not perfect, but perfectly reasonable set-up for a pay-per-view match. That's hard to argue with.

Side note: AEW dropping the alien nonsense has been good for Statlander. She didn't really need that over-the-top characterisation to impress, because she's good enough in-ring. Plus, having a more realistic edge means she's a better fit for a feud with Baker.