6 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Feb 24)
5. Page vs. Hardy Levels Up
Another week, another levelling-up for the Hangman Page vs. Matt Hardy feud, which started cold but is now gathering momentum heading into their Big Money Match at Revolution.
Page battled Hardy associate Isiah Kassidy as an extension of the rivalry. Kassidy had TH2 and Matt ringside with him, though his mentor was thrown out for early shenanigans, with Dark Order's Alex Reynolds and John Silver evening things out. This was the window dressing to a fun, explosive match that showcased both men at something close to their best. Kassidy targeted the limb throughout, looking to take Hangman's Buckshot Lariat away from him, and Page sold well, bursting to life with an adapted arsenal. A late roaring elbow looked like it killed Hangman to hit but he bossed it throughout.
His Buckshot rendered ineffective, Page finished Kassidy off with the Deadeye, countering out of Isiah's attempted Destroyer. Afterwards, Hardy claimed he was going to hurt every member of the Dark Order after Page's betrayal, launching Alan Angels off the ramp and through a table.
This has evolved from a weirdly-presented sideshow to an engaging, heated midcard feud - and last night was its most assertive step forward yet.