4 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Rampage (June 23)

Ups...

4. Formulaic-But-Fun!

AEW's multi-mans definitely follow a similar pattern to New Japan's tags. Also, the refereeing (or lack thereof) during them is super-annoying, but it's something people will have to put up with for the foreseeable. All Elite officials count when they feel like it, basically.

On the plus side, that opener was a fun watch.

When you're in the mood for some balls-to-the-wall action, these bouts provide. Sure, it's one that'll be forgotten about by the time Collision airs on Saturday night, but Will Ospreay shone, and some of Jeff Cobb's power moves were frankly wonderful to see. The way he hurled YOH around was a sight to behold.

Put it this way: Rampage is the 'C' show now, and that's a comfier-than-expected spot to be in when Tony Khan fancies throwing matches like this one at fans. If folks know they'll see this kind of car crash spotfest, then they'll tune in when they're on the hunt for that and know it'll be backed up by storytelling elsewhere.