ALL IN 2018: Star Ratings For All 9 Major Matches

8. Christopher Daniels Vs. Stephen Amell

Hangman Page Stars II
FiteTV

They just about pulled this off.

Christopher Daniels is a pure delight with his pre-match theatrics. It's easy to boo him in his role as an OTT d*ckhead, which really helped galvanise the crowd in Amell's favour. Ultimately, the match was the best version of itself, and one that met the most optimistic of projections. Amell looked shaky at times, and of course he was going to - it was only his second pro wrestling match ever - but though gassed and unable to run through all of his spots smoothly, he was game to absorb punishment and pop the crowd by taking a wicked table bump and, after a moment of hesitation that only added to the drama, landing a very impressive coast-to-coast dropkick.

Much like the physicality, the narrative was effective in how uncomplicated it was. Daniels played the arrogant veteran, stepping over Amell's back, and Amell played the fighting babyface who would not be f*cked with by returning the disrespect.

The match also added another layer to a diverse beast of a card, and at 12:30, it was timed - if not quite performed - to perfection.

Star Rating: ***

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!