AEW Double Or Nothing: Star Ratings For All 9 Matches

2. The Lucha Brothers Vs. The Young Bucks

DoN Omega
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The Young Bucks told an absolutely incredible story here, in which the flips (which are awesome in and of themselves, f*ck you) were wrapped up in an absorbing plot that firmly and very successfully positioned Matt and Nick Jackson as the Aces of AEW's doubles division.

Showing ring rust, purposefully, through several painful miscommunications, this was the richest of psychology. Far more logical than the naysayers - who are naywatchers, so again: f*ck you - would ever credit them for, Matt and Nick emerged from the corporate world to face the most daunting of combat challenges. Penta El Zero M delighted in dropping his stinger offence. His partner, Fénix, performing here in legit Best In The World form, wowed the crowd and mystified his opponents with his staggering reinvention of rope-charming lucha libre.

Apron Canadian Destroyer spots that drew audible shrieks; a cute and dramatically effective Superkick party that pummelled Matt Jackson's face in a spot even Jim Cornette might have enjoyed; the dangerous and furious, über-creative sequences and saves and spots mastered by the Bucks in a match that really earned them: this was as tight as it was awe-inspiring.

Framing this "rusty" vintage of the Bucks as doyens was a very committed push, the conviction behind which should pay off and make the tandem that eventually defeats them.

Long-term storytelling: promise kept.

Star Rating: ****3/4

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!