My Top 5 Matches From AEW Full Gear

Intro.

As time has gone by. I have been looking forward to AEW Full Gear more and more over the years, even in it's current creative state, were the company finds itself trying to find it's feet. This event delivers from the stance of in ring action, and the stories that normally come from it leave me excited for the next coming months. So lets take a look at some of those Matches.

5. Kenny Omega vs Hangman Adam Page 2020.

This was my Match of the year for 2020, and I still go back to it now. This was a perfect mix of styles, that helped mould the issues of keyfabe, and alcoholism together perfectly. This came as the start of Hangmans arc was starting to carve out a life for itself. The Match is high on physicality, as much as it is in-ring chemistry, and fantastic storytelling.

4. MJF vs Darby Allin 2021.

This Match didn't have as much time as to what AEW would normally give to let things breathe, but when you put that to one side, this delivers. MJF in the build played the devil on Darby's shoulder, and it was a sight to be see. Both men acted like one anothers physical muse. I think this is what made this Match so special.

3. Jungle Boy vs Luchasaurus Steel Cage Match 2022.

This Match had the difficult task of opening up the PPV, and what was worse, just months before this Cm Punk had been suspended from the company. Jack just ten months later would play a part in the second city saints exit. On this night he had a stomper of a Match against the Jurassic one, this delivered on so many levels.

2. The Elite vs Death Triangle 2022.

This would kick off a best of seven series, and in my opinion this was better than their esca dela huerte Match that came at the beginning of January 2023. The near falls sold the story, and if I was a script writer, the story would read, come and have a go, and don't miss. This was awesome.

1. Hangman Adam Page vs Swerve Strickland Texas Deathmatch 2023.

This Match garnered a lot of attention for a spot that saw Hangman drink Swerve's blood from the media, and I felt that it took away attention from the main storytelling of the Match. This was one of my Matches of the year in 2023, as it was the epitome for what was to come from these two.

 My Top 5 Matches That I'm Looking Forward At AEW Full Gear.

Intro. 

With this years AEW Full Gear just hours away at the time of writing, this got me thinking, which of the Matches am I looking forward to most, so with that said, lets take a look.

5. Darby Allin vs Pac.

This is something to get excited by. Both men have solid sets of styles, and I think it could be an interesting mix. I fully expect this to go on first, as it could be used as a good way to set up the rest of the evening.

4. Hangman Adam Page vs samoa Joe Steel Cage Match AEW World Heavyweight Championship.

When I was watching their Match from last months WrestleDream , I got the feeling that their story wasn't over, do I think that the AEW World Heavyweight Championship is in any threat of coming away from Hangman, well if i'm being honest no, however I think there will be juice, and a hole load of plunder.

3. Kris Statlander vs Mercedes Mone AEW Womens Championship.

I've liked the build to this Match, and as last weeks Blood And Guts went into it's mid stage, it made me feel thrilled for what is going to come later tonight. I think this could a sleeper hit, that's going to have an incredible after effect.

2. Jurassic Express And Kenny Omega vs The Young Bucks And Josh Alexander.

If you look at this Match through isolation, then you can get an idea about how this Match is going to potentially steel the show, as the looming reunion of The Elite comes even more into focus. This Match could easily steel the show, and I won't be suprised if it does.

1. Jon Moxley vs Kyle O'Reilly No Holds Barred.

The downward spiral of Jon Moxley is by far the best thing that AEW is doing at the minute. In my mind I have likened this to the main plot from A Clockwork Orange, when you take a look at the character of Jon Moxley. He's gone from Babyface to heel, and now back to Babyface. It's a simple way to tell the story if Mox is on this losing trail, because the repent arc is going to be glorious, as he has got his kicks, at the misery of others.

 Friday Night Smackdown Review. 22.11.2025.

Intro.

Just a heads up guys, there won't be a top 5 insights from tonights UFC card, this is due to the fact that I need to have some me time. Their will be a full review of AEW Full Gear, but this will coming on Monday morning, and Sunday Night their will be something Full Gear themed coming. So keep it locked right here at extremewrestlingreviews1.blogspot.com

Superstars Seen Showing Up.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. JD Mcdonagh, and Finn Balor, and. Penta were all seen showing up to work.

The Vision Segment.

I'm not sure what to make of this. The Vision came and Paul Heyman got to work bolstering his crew with praise. Logan took to the mic, and I kid you not I have never been so pleased to here Jey Uso's music. Jey and Jimmy had a great promo dual with Paul, that dealt with keyfabe and past ramifications. I liked this as the theme of the numbers game came back to haunt the brtohers Uso. They told Paul that they didn't come alone, this was when Cody Rhodes music played, but he never came out, because the camera went to the back area, and their laid Cody by his bus, who had been attacked by Drew Mcintyre. The medics tried to tend to him, that was until Drew Drove by, and said that he will see Cody next week, as he speeded off. This was fantasic heel work from Drew. This whole segment was a mix-bag. The scripted Promo dual felt predictable, whilst Drews heel work was like I said fantastic. Nick Aldis wasn't a happy man.

Ilja Dragonov vs JD Mcdonagh.

Even though I don't like JD Mcdonagh for reasons that I can't get into online. I thought he brought out a decent Match from Ilja. This was a fantastic reminder of what the Brit Wres scene was like back in the mid 2010's. The action was fast paced, and the near falls were a well booked reminder of how competitors should work a TV Match.

Charlotte And Rhea Segment.

Alexa got her friend Charlotte to sit down with Rhea Ripley. This led to a cinematic esque segment later on, and I thought it was great.

Carmelo Hayes vs Bronson Reed John Cena Last Time Is Now Tournament.

This Match played into the hands of complete shenanigans, and it was a lot of fun. I thought this was predictable, but fun. Bronson lost via count out thanks to The Uso's and Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare then took to the mic, and then cut short The Vision. He slated the Steiner family, whilst taking shots at Drew, and. Brock Lesnar, this was excellent, as it had a form of gravitas, that helped Cody break down part of the 4th wall.

Fraxiom vs DIY.

This was a fantastic piece of business. DIY got the win thanks to Candace Lerae being a cheating little Madam, by nicking Axioms mask. Oh and DIY have their old theme entrances back, be still my rebel heart.

Finn Balor vs Penta John Cena Last Time Is Now Tournament.

I didn't like this. I like these as competitors, but all this did was prove how HHH has become set in his ways when it comes to how he books his TV shows. Penta got the win. Now lets all move on.

MFT's Segment.

Next week Sami Zayns Crew will face the MFT's, and this got me thinking, am I the only person who thinks that Tama Tongas laugh sounds like Mutley from Dick Dastardly and Mutley?

Ladies Team Face vs Team Heel Survivor Series Wargames.

Rhea Ripley led the charge for team Babyface, by putting over each member with passion, and fire, and then introduced their fifth member. Mrs Cm Punk AJ Lee, but as she came out. Team Heel led by The Kabuki Warriors took out team Babyface, but as this was going on. Becky Lynch took out AJ, and joined team Heel. This was a great way to end the broadcast.

Overview Of Friday Night Smackdown.

I can understand why some people might not like Friday Night Smackdown, but if i'm being honest it makes a Saturday Morning here in the UK fly by. Was this show any good. Personally I liked it, The Matches ranged ok to good, and the segments took the same range.

This weeks Friday Night Smackdown is a high 7/10.

 My Top 5 Times Wrestling Company's Got The Build To A PPV Absolutely Right.

Intro.

The way of how fans pay for products has always been a point of contention, especially of late in this world of Pro Wrestling. The prices of PPV's have stayed the same, whilst the live attendence price has gone up across the board. I feel that the art of the PPV still has a place in this world, so taking a look back at their builds was a joy for this list.

5. AEW Revolution 2022.

Going back to research this list got me thinking. Is this the best AEW PPV ever. I do think that it's up there. Adam Cole vs Hangman Adam Page. Chris Jericho vs Eddie Kingston, and of course Cm Punk vs MJF. This was amplified by its own build. The rivalries felt like a vital look into the future, whilst delivering in some of the best moments in Pro Wrestling TV.

4. AEW Full Gear 2021.

Like I said in my last segment. AEW in this period delivered in giving fans what they want, the best moments at this time. The Build for AEW Full Gear 2021 was another look at where AEW were going past this event. The Promos from Kenny Omega, and. Hangman Adam Page. Eddie Kingston and Cm Punk, and MJF and Darby Allin. I was excited to see the PPV of the back of this build.

3. WrestleMania 16.

I have so many great memories of this build, because if you went back into the school the weekend after watching these shows, it's all my friends would talk about. Whether it was a Mcmahon in every corner, or the 3 way Ladder Match. Man this build was awesome, and 13 year old me loved it. What a time to be alive.

2. WrestleMania 17.

Someday You'll see things my way. These back in March of 2001 were seen as words to live by. The Nu Metal to hit its peak, and with new acts like Linkin Park, and. Slipknot starting to pick up momentum, so this is why the WWE asked to use Rollin by Limp bizkit for the Undertaker, and My Way for the Hype video for The Rock And Stone Cold Steve Austin. This was a clever move, because it became the cherry on top of the booking cake. HHH vs The Undertaker. The battle of the Mcmahons. TLC 2, and of course Austin vs The Rock, this build had everything you would want from a PPV.

1. WrestleMania 41.

Fluff piece documentary aside. This build was near pefect as you can get, when it comes to the modern day WWE. Watching Romans empire fall from around was starting to be laid bare, and it was great to see, whilst Dirty Dom winding up his dad, and Bayley showing off her worth was awesome to see. Then came the job of Cody finishing his story. This needed to handled with cotton gloves, and eventually the WWE would get this, and from the moment that the Vegas Presser was done, oh boy we were off to the races, and it was incredible. What can I say except your welcome.

AEW Dynamite Review 20.11.2025.

Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet.

With the first entrance into the Casino Gauntlet Match at Full Gear on the line. I was expecting to see some sauce with this Match, but what we got was  messy. Ricochet taunted the crowd with a promo to kick things off, only to be shut down by Big bad Bob. I didn't like this. Everything from its opening to its execution felt lazy, and this was a real shame. Lashley got the win.

Samoa Joe Segment.

Samoa Joe, and. Katsuyouri Shibata, then cut a promo on Hangman Adam Page, and this got me thinking. When Joe retires from Pro Wrestling, he should become a dedt collector.

The Young Bucks And Josh Alexander vs Sky Flight.

From the outset I liked this. The in-ring work was solid, and I'm loving Don Callis flirting with The Young Bucks, and giving them a ton of pyro, to the way that this Match was layered. I got the feeling that this was catered to both teams, and it worked. The bucks got the win. The aftermath however undermined all of the hardwork that came beforehand. Don Callis tried to get The Bucks to join the TDDCWO, leading Kenny Omega to come and try and reason with this former Elite brothers, with the help from a steal chair. Don told his new friends to give Kenny a BTE trigger, that was until Jurassic Express to chase out the heels out with cleaning products. This was abysmal, and a complete joke. The segment that Jurassic Express had later on didn't help.

Babes Of Wrath Segment.

Who here loves Willow Nightingale, and. Harley Cameron? Is that everyone, good because I think that their great.

Shelton Benjamin vs Speedball Mike Bailey.

This was a lot better then the opener. With second place in the Casino Gauntlet Match on the line. In this mid card affair. I felt the urgentcy that was missing from the opener. The physicality was on a better level, and their chemistry was allowed to break its own wall. Shelton got the win.

Jon Moxley And Claudio Castagnoli vs Orange Cassidy And Roderick Strong.

I liked this. It had its own form of urgentcy. This allowed fans to get the chance to feel their energy from the start. Both teams thought in and amongst the fans, this allowed the story of the Match to have time to breathe, as the Matches within the Match, become the back bone of the physicality. Mox got the win by giving Cassidy a bulldog choke. Kyle O'reilly then came out, and challenged him to a no holds barred Match at Full Gear, after The Deathriders helped Jon get away from a Ankle Lock.

The Timeless Lovebombs vs Alex Windsor And Riho.

As the AEW womens Tag Team Tournament starts to develop, I have admit that has been enjoyable to a degree, However this Match fell short in my view. The work felt slow, flat, and uninspired, and it didn't pick up. Toni and Mina got the win and advance to the next round. Tony Khan then confirmed at Full Gear, their will be a four way Match to decide the semi-final stipulation.

Kyle Fletcher And Mark Briscoe Segment.

I loved this, from Mark and Kyle having a solid back and fourth, and in the aftermath Okada and Mark Davis decking him was great. No Physicality my arse, oh and hello Okada having digs at Takeshita.

Pac Vignette.

Pac threatens an absent Darby Allin, after he tried to turn him into Kentucky fried Darby, and all I have to say is this. I liked this, now someone get him a stuttie.

Hangman Adam Page vs Katsuyouri Shibata.

This was decent. Even though it didn't feel me with parts of joy. It was a solid way, to end the broadcast. From Hangman attacking Shibata from the start, Samoa Joe making Tony Schiavone want to make stains in his pants just by sitting next to him on commentary, and the physicality being given its flowers, as the Match entered it's final stages. Hangman got the win with  a buckshot lariot, having just put his boot back on.

Overview Of AEW Dynamite.

This broadcast was the right balance between poor blunders, and good Keyfabe, that had me feeling optimistic going into the PPV this weekend.

This weeks Dynamite is a high 7/10.

 

Top 5 Times WWE Mistreated Wrestlers.

Intro.

As the years have gone by, the levy of mistreatment has been brought in a hardway at the WWE, and this has come about over the space of decades. UInder the old creative, this type of behaviour was allowed to flourish, and it given time to breathe. This is a look back at these moments, and storylines, and i'll give my own opinions.

5. Piggy James.

This came in the early part of the 2010's decade, and at a point of contention for most fans, due to the fact the company was failing to creative new stars. This was also a time when the company would launch their route into hypocrisy called the Be A Star Campaign. This segment was the catalyst for me, and the reason for why I believe that the company wasn't going to learn its lessons.

4. Wendy Richter Double Cross.

The mid 1980's were a wild time in Pro Wrestling, the NWA was facing its own issues, whilst the WWE was starting to flourish under the Rock'n Wrestling period of the era with MTV, however at this time contention was also brewing amongst performers with the office. Jesse Ventura wanting to start up unisation, was brought down to earth with a bump, and our subject matter Wendy Richter didn't want to do business. This wasn't dealt with Properly, she gave her thoughts on this matter on the Vince Mcmahon Netflix series, and you could still hear the hurt in her voice, and this was thirty nine years after her screwjob to the reprohensible Fabulous Moolah. This should never have happened.

3. The Destruction Of The Ultimate Warrior.

Nowadays the man that changed his name from James Hellwig to Warrior, isn't someone to look at with nice eyes, due to his activities outside of the ring, but this DVD to this very day is looked with spiteful eyes, and it was unneeded. From superstars doing their own hit pieces, to the lawsuit that followed in the aftermath. This looking back in hindsight is what you could call ironic. An awful human being, tried to sue another awful human being.

2. Sable.

The years of 1996, to 1997 were'nt kind to the greenwich conneticut company attendeces were still down from 1995, but they were starting to improve. Sable came at the right time. The days and act of the valet were becoming passe, and the industry needed a re-shape. Stepforward Sable, she debuted for the company as Hunter Hearst Helmsley's manager, who then stepped into her own role as an ass kicking badass, she would become a pin up in 1998, whilst also being used to gratify what the WWF was working towards. This would end in 1999, as she left the company, and took Vince Mcmahon to court under the guise of sexual misconduct, and harressment. I'm a believer that thinks, ok, yes the industry was changing, but that shouldn't have come with making someone feel uncomfortable.

1. Black Wednesday.

This wasn't mistreatment of talent, it was seen as an echo that went into the office, and officiating side of the business. Rusev. Gallows and Anderson, and. Drake Maverick were all let go by the company, some after just signing multi-year contracts to stop them from going to AEW. Could WWE do this, well yes, but does that make it right, well no of course not. It was morally wrong, especially given the time frame that the world was  in at the time, this was a bad way to treat people that they call family.

 Top 5 Moments From Monday Night Raw.

Intro.

I'm starting this weeks piece of with an apology, this is due to the fact that I haven't been able to do proper reviews, this is due to the fact that life has been mega crazy at O'malley towers, due to my day job being busy in the build up to Christmas, so if I have to miss a show, It will get covered it will just be done in a different manor. I love giving you guys my best, so having to change up my schedule doesn't sit well with me.

5. John Cena's Last Ever Monday Night Raw.

This broadcast felt like an ocassion to be savoured. I don't care that this segment was used to hype John vs Dirty Dom. When Cena came out and started talking about his past in MSG. I was taken a back, the first belt that he won in WWE, was at WrestleMania 20, which was held at MSG, and this just goes to show how far the guy has come. I know that the machine was formulating behind him at this time. John whether you like him, or not. John is the very embodiment of taking what you have, and running with it. The Judgement Day came out, and attacked him, backing up Dom, leading to Rey Mysterio, and. Sheamus making the save. This led to a 6 man tag Match that was a nice trip down memory lane,.I know a lot of fans don't have a lot of great memories of WWE in 2009, and I get it, but watching John in this time, working with Rey, and Sheamus when he was emerging up the ranks was a breath of fresh air to me. John and friends got the win. 

4. Stephanie Vaquer Gets Decked By Nikki Bella.

I'm starting to love WWE's Women Heels at the minute, and this is why, because the best version of Nikki is when she has embraced the darkside. She will face Stephanie Vaquer at Survivor Series in a week on Saturday.

3. Bayley Wore A Sick T Shirt.

If I had a reason to love Bayley more, then I just found one, because that Survivor Series Deadly Games T Shirt was awesome, oh and hello Heel Kabuki Warriors. Be still my Kabuki loving heart, and Bayleys sick looking t shirt.

2. Hello Nick Nemeth.

Solo Sikoa, advanced himself into the next round of the John Cena Last Time Is Now Tournament, by beating Dolph Ziggler, or as I know him, the guy from Busted Open Radio. I was never a big fan of Dolph Ziggler. I thought that the character was way too flawed to me, but I do enjoy his hearing his insights on the podcast. This Match was a heavily over produced, that was dull in execution.

1. Gunther vs Jevon Edwards John Cena's Last Time Is Now Tournament.

I heard some fans online call this a stand out performance for Jevon, but if i'm being honest, I thought that this Match lacked any form of charisma, and charm, and that's a shame because had a lot of promise.

Top UFC Fights That left me feeling underwhelmed.

Intro.

In life we all have times that have left us feeling a bit, well flatlined. This could be to a varity of issues, and if you're a fan of the UFC, then this feeling to you isn't anything new. From poor fights, to the execution to forgettable PPV's. Some fighters haven't always delivered.

5. Urijah Faber vs Renan Barao UFC 149.

UFC 149 was a blessing, and a curse in hindsight, it's one of the first PPV's that I remember seeing an out pouring of hate towards online, and the main event between these two didn't help matters much. Both fighters put forward a boring affair, and it was a real shame, because this had a lot of promise.

4. Israel Adesanya vs Anderson Silva UFC 234.

This fight wasn't just a let down, it was a mark in time, because as fans we knew that the time of the Spider was coming to an end. He was out classed by The Last Style Bender in every area of the cage, this was a sad time, and it didn't ad to Andersons legacy.

3. Randy Couture vs Lyota Machida UFC 129.

Let this be known that i'm a big fan of Captain America, and his work ethic. Which is why this fight was a let down. Lyota knocked him out with a head kick, this came at a time when Randy's relationship with Dana White was considered to be questionable.

2. Randy Couture vs Chuck Liddell UFC 43.

Happening at a time when UFC PPV's took place on a Friday Night. The 6th of June 2003 was known amongst fans as the night that Chuck Liddell would be crowned as the no1 contender to Tito Ortiz's Light Heavyweight Crown, after The Hunting Beach Bad Boy refused to fight Chuck, on the basis that he thought they're friends after his rant after Chuck beat Vitor Belfort at UFC 37. This fight was seen as a swerve as captain America would go on to become the champion, whilst Chuck went and thought for Pride in the aftermath of this loss.

1. Connor Mcgreggor vs Eddie Alvarez UFC 205.

This fight wasn't a failure on PPV, due to how well it had performed, but it was when you look at how predictable it was. Connor bested Alvarez in the first round. If you were a fan at this time, then you could tell that the writing was on the wall. This was the UFC's first ever venture to New York's Madison Square Garden. This would be a trend that the company would continue until this very day.

Top 5 Insights From UFC 322.

Intro.

This has been an interesting, and profitable year for TKO, from the ground up. From fan perception, being at a muddling stage for  both WWE, and. the UFC, ticket prices being levied at mortgage rates, to both company's products being met with harsh Sceptisism. I feel that as a fan of both company's  going into 2026 is going to be a turning point for both, as success, shouldn't come at the hands of those that feed them.

5. Benoit Saint Dennis.

This mans striking game, and Muay thai boxing is something needs studying. He knocked out Beneil Dariush with a nasty looking combo. The fight and how it ended should act as a reminder, that styles don't always make fights.

4. Carlos Prates Is Him.

Carlos Prates owned Leon Edwards, in what was an excellent performance, he knocked out the former Welterweight Champion. If you're the UFC, then this leaves you with a big predicament, what's next for Leon Edwards? This took me back to when Chuck Liddell lost his Light Heavyweight Championship to Quinton Rampage Jackson at UFC, because Leon is starting to show signs of skill decline, his strikes, and groundgame don't look that convincing anymore, but if you're Carlos Prates, then the world is going to start to open up for you. I think Gold is in his future.

3. Michael Morales, What More Can I say.

Sean Brady was another fighter that got owned on this night. Brady's Grecco Roman Wrestling style was nothing for Michaels speed, and stand up game. He knocked out Brady, and that was that. This ppv was spoilt for choice when it came to Knockout, and performance of the night awards.

2. Valentina Schevchenko Is The Best In The World.

This was a superb title defense from the Flyweight Champion, her background in Greco Roman, and. Muay Thai wrestling, made this a difficult night for Zhang Wei Li. As I was watching this I couldn't help but delve into intricicies of this fight, you could see Zhang slow down with every body blow, and this would play into how this fight ended. Valentina's retained her belt. I get why some people may not have liked this, but as a man who has background in karate, especially within the ethics of the ground game, this was a fascinating contest.

1. Were Does Jack Della Magdelaina Go Next.

Islam Makhachev is our new Welterweight Champion. This was a masterpiece in the groundgame from the Dagastani fighter. This fell into the same realm of the previous fight. This was a poor outing for the now former Champion, but I do think that, this raises a question to me. Jack looked in pain during the last two rounds. How much is showing two much when it comes to having heart? And that's how i'm going to leave you guys.

 My Top 5 Insights Friday Night Smackdown.

5. Rhea And Iyo Sky Opening Segment.

I liked this. Even though these two who are taking up space in team Babyface,  They have great chemistry and energy, the less could be said about Charlotte Flair, and. Alexa Bliss. Little ms Bliss sounded like the tough girl that stood up for the wimpy kids in the playground, whilst Flair sounds like the well brought girl, that has tons of money. Flair walked out, because can't trust Rhea. The Kabuki Warriors attacked them later on. I'm just going to say it. I love Heel Kabuki Warriors.

4. Jey Uso vs The Miz John Cena's Last Time Is Now Tournament.

This Match did what it said on the tin, it delivered. I get that not many people like Jey at this time, and you know what that's cpmpletely fine, but it doesn't change the fact that to me his energy is infectious. I've never been a massive fan of The Miz, but Id think for all his limitations, and he has loads, he worked well with Jey last night. Jey advanced to the next round.

3. Paul Heyman Is A Wind Up Merchant.

Am I the only person who thinks that Paul Heyman is a wind up merchant, because how he managed to goad Cody into the main event against Bronson Reed, was something that only an older sibling can do. I felt like a seven year old watching this.

2. Axiom vs Ilja Dragonov WWE United States Championship Open Challenge.

I love watching these two perform, because their physicality blends in well with the european bumps that they create. I have been enjoying the United States Open Challenge, as it has been the highlight on the blue brand in my opinion. Ilja retained, and I could've watched another half'n hour of this.

1.LA Knight vs ? John Cena Last Time Is Now Tournament.

Don't worry guys, i've checked all over my house, and the man that if you say his name, is no where even near my place. I've checked the cupboard downstairs, my wheelie bin, and the shower, so were all clear, and as it turned out we were all good, because LA Knights opponent was Zac Ryder, aka Matt Cardona, and Not Joe Hendry, oh no Patrick what have you said, you know what that means. LA Knight got the win, and i'm now going to go and check all the exits in my house.