5 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Rampage (Nov 18)

2. Ricky Starks Fights From Underneath

Ricky Starks
AEW

About that.

Archer obviously got his usual big power moves in, but the story of this bout was all about Starks fighting from underneath and playing the underdog. AEW's agents have done a fine job of putting that over since his slow-burn babyface turn began, and this was another example of the connection Ricky is forging with fans for showing heart.

The brawling style and that underdog tale felt immediate and exciting to watch unfold. Plus, and this is crucial, everything was geared towards making the Eliminator concept seem like a career-changing experience for the winner. That's why these dudes were being so physical.

A post-match chokeslam onto the upturned ring steps from Lance also gives Ricky some more underdog spirit heading into his next match vs. Brian Cage as well. Everything, from backstage fighting to in-ring action and Cage looking on with a smile, worked out well.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.