9 Match Star Ratings For AEW Double Or Nothing 2020

6. Cody Vs. Lance Archer - TNT Championship Match

Stadium Stampede
AEW

A very good match one bum note shy of greatness, ultimately, from Jake Roberts' first chilling promo to Cody's tearful celebration - and some expert booking in-between - this was a superb programme with a fitting conclusion.

Lance Archer was magnificent here. He radiated a legitimatelyu dangerous energy as he rag-dolled Cody, launching him from bleacher to concrete floor. He literally beat his ass all over the place, pausing only to sh*t-talk Big Swole in a fabulous, inspired small-details spot that compensated for an audience badly needed to get the overtly theatrical finish over.

Archer looked formidable here, playing the perverse, blackly comedic role, and Cody showed the depth to his work by reeling in the histrionics and building his comebacks with a grittier psychology. A half-botched bump enhanced the drama - Archer landed right on his head following Cody's avalanche reverse suplex - and before the flailing ejections and the weird logic gap that built to them, Cody made perfect use of the seconds. In a superb spot, one that didn't require the ill-advised and expected Spinebuster, Cody avenged his wife by using the DDT right in front of Jake. In a cute meta touch, it didn't put Archer away.

What happened here is thus: AEW built a killer heel debutant, crafted an excellent storyline with sporting and blood feud elements, and used him to get one of their top babyfaces - who badly needed a big win - over. Said heel will get his heat back with one exceptional Jake Roberts promo.

A bit wonky, as Cody's big epics can be, but a total triumph regardless.

Star Rating: ★★★¾

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!