4 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Rampage (Aug 27)
Ups...
4. An Important Opener
The opener was still scorching at times.
Kicking off Rampage with something truly meaningful was a great move from AEW. They're gonna have to work overtime to ensure that this third hour of weekly TV doesn't become a nuisance long-term, so using it as a place to showcase matches this consequential is awesome.
Arguments about the winners aside (those pesky Luchas!), this was great stuff. Rey Fenix got to fly around like a man possessed, Jungle Boy had some nice spots, Penta was his usual weird and mystical self, and Luchasaurus did the power bit to great effect. The crowd, until the finish, were right there with it too.
Matches like this might actually be a nice trade off for Rampage in lieu of long-winded promos. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if the show is presented as a strict in-ring effort more than anything; it's only 60 minutes long anyway, so AEW don't want to cram too much in.