9 Match Star Ratings For AEW Revolution 2021
4. Hangman Page Vs. Matt Hardy - Big Money Match
There is really only one rating, three, and the word "Gentleman's" has to be slapped in front of it.
They pulled off a challenging and potentially debilitating dynamic, in that Hangman Page is as explosive as Matt Hardy is worn. When one talent is in their physical prime and the other is not, it is impossible to work the match in favour of the former. For a match that was flawed well before the bell rang, they probably did the best possible job under the circumstances. But whether faint and emotionally detached praise is quite enough on the sort of expensive show that only comes around four nights a year - when the massive roster is so clearly raring to go - is more debatable.
Matt Hardy worked his arse off and took a frightening head-first Dead Eye and a sh*tload more offence that was almost very admirable. Almost so admirable that it made you feel guilty for merely appreciating it.
They worked the spaces between moves very well. The work on Page's hand was inspired in that it created doubt over and anticipation for the Buckshot and framed Hardy as the desperate "carny piece of sh*t" Page blasted him as throughout the build. This was really quite intelligent; it generated a desire for the happy ending without labouring on the fanciful idea that Hardy is a technical wizard. It all paid off with a finish so great and dramatic that no respectful manners are needed to put it over: the two men rubbed out that "Gentleman's" with a cracking Side Effect near-fall that highlighted Hardy's veteran savvy.
Remove three minutes of plod, and this was the best possible Matt Hardy 2021 singles match.
Star Rating: ★★★¼