Returning to Daley’s Place marks a nostalgic revisit to where it all began for AEW (in a way).
Broadcasting live from Daley’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida! The setup differs from past events at Daley’s Place, and it's somewhat unusual, at least from my perspective. Taz, Excalibur, and Tony Schiavone are handling commentary duties, and we're diving straight into the action.
First Match: Hangman Page vs. Claudio Castagnoli
The bout kicks off with a brawl. Hangman and Claudio exchange elbows in the center of the ring, leading to Claudio dropping Hangman and initiating a swing. Claudio applies the Sharpshooter, but Hangman is near the ropes. Hangman rises and delivers a high-angle Death Valley Driver to Claudio. Both competitors are down but eventually get back on their feet, engaging in a heavy exchange of blows. Hangman attempts a backslide, securing a two-count. Hangman executes a double-jump clothesline on Claudio on the apron, followed by a plancha to the floor. Grasping a beer from the crowd, Hangman adds a touch of familiarity to the match. The action intensifies as Claudio catches Hangman in a military press and drops him on the ramp. During the headlock by Claudio inside the ring, the match heads to a picture-in-picture (PIP) format. The heavy elbow exchange continues, and Hangman gets elevated to the outside. Claudio delivers European uppercuts on the ramp, but Hangman fights back with elbows and rolling shots. Hangman executes a running lariat down the steps, sending Claudio back into the ring. Hangman attempts a Buckshot, but Claudio counters with a pop-up European uppercut, securing a two-count. The fight spills outside again, with Hangman hitting a moonsault off the apron, but Claudio catches him and runs him into the concrete wall in a powerslam position. Claudio continues running, but Hangman counters with a DDT. Hangman climbs the concrete retaining wall, moonsaults onto Claudio, and runs into a boot inside the ring. Claudio catches a crossbody from Hangman, countering into a tombstone for a two-count. Claudio reverses a Deadeye into a face-first powerbomb into the turnbuckle, delivering running European uppercuts in the corner and a barrage of strikes. Hangman, slumped in the corner, counters Claudio's offense with a Deadeye for a two-count. Claudio rolls to the apron, and Hangman attempts another double-jump clothesline, but Claudio counters with a European uppercut. Claudio ascends the turnbuckle, and Hangman follows. Claudio's Avalanche Ricola Bomb is countered into a hurricanrana by Hangman, followed by a Buckshot. Another Buckshot secures the one, two, three!
Winner: Hangman Page
Rating: ****. This match delivers significant excitement. It seems to be the first singles encounter between the two, and the performance leaves a strong desire for more. Hangman's resilience outlasted Claudio's relentless assault, making for an outstanding contest.
Match #2: Preston Vance, Orange Cassidy, Dustin Rhodes, & Adam Copeland vs. Gates of Agony, Brian Cage, & Lance Archer
Dustin executes a drop-down uppercut, followed by a snap powerslam on Toa. Toa retaliates with a headbutt, dropping Dustin, who then tags in Preston Vance. Cage enters the ring, delivering a running boot in the corner. Copeland tags in, launching clotheslines and subsequently tagging Cassidy. Cassidy gets caught in a crossbody by Cage, but Copeland intervenes with a dropkick on both opponents. A quick one-count follows. Cassidy attempts a choke slam on Cage but settles for the Stundog Millionaire. Cage tags out, and Gates of Agony prevent Archer from entering. Toa delivers a pounce to Cassidy before heading to the commercial break.
Upon return, Cage executes a stalling suplex on Cassidy, eventually handing him over to Toa, who passes him to Kaun, and then back to Cage, finally dropping him. Archer tags in, dominating Cassidy in the corner. Despite Cassidy's attempt to fight back with body shots, Archer throws him three-quarters of the way across the ring. Orange kicks by Cassidy, followed by a satellite DDT. Vance and Kaun enter the fray. Vance delivers a double shoulder block to Gates of Agony and runs clotheslines in the corner. He executes a Blue Thunder Bomb on Toa, a spine buster on Kaun, and a discus lariat, but Kaun ducks and Vance counters with a ripcord cutter. The match reaches a chaotic point with everyone in the ring. Dustin clotheslines Kaun, Cage delivers an F5 to Dustin, Copeland hits an Impaler on Cage, Kaun executes a gutbuster on Copeland, and Cassidy finally gets the chokeslam on Kaun. Archer lands a Bossman Slam on Cassidy, Vance delivers a pump kick to Archer, and Gates of Agony execute a pop-up Samoan drop on Vance. Archer accidentally boots Kaun in the face, leading to a clash between him and Cage. Copeland spears Kaun, and Vance finishes the match with a discus lariat.
Winners: Preston Vance, Orange Cassidy, Dustin Rhodes, & Adam Copeland
**Rating: 2¾ stars.** This all-star match provided entertainment, involving everyone to honor Brody Lee's legacy. Vance's victory paid a fitting tribute, and Copeland seemed to thoroughly enjoy the dynamic with his new ringmates.
The Bang Bang Gang, accompanied by Renee, encounters The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass, proposing the formation of a mega-faction dubbed "The Bang Bang Scissor Gang."
Samoa Joe makes a powerful entrance, expressing gratitude for the fans' appreciation. Joe asserts his dominance over Duvall County, emphasizing a new era without complaints or social media drama. Joe challenges contenders to bring their records and reputations to the championship committee for a physical confrontation. Swerve and the Mogul Embassy interrupt, with Swerve expressing a desire for Joe's spot. Hangman Page appears, declaring his pursuit of the AEW World Championship in 2024. Nana pulls Swerve out of the ring as Page confronts Joe.
In a surprising turn, Hook confronts Joe, setting up a face-off for the following week. Renee interviews Toni Storm, Mariah May, and Luther, with tension arising between Storm and May.
Match #3: Sammy Guevara vs. Ricky Starks
In the initial exchanges, both competitors engage in wrist locks and takeovers. Guevara showcases agility with a backflip over Starks, followed by a well-executed dropkick. Guevara trips Starks, sending him to the outside, and follows up with a baseball slide and a moonsault off the top rope to the floor. The action intensifies on the apron with both wrestlers trading elbows. Starks attempts a RoShamBo, but Guevara blocks it. Guevara delivers hard chops, but Starks retaliates by going for the throat and executing the Angel’s Wings on the apron. Starks ensures Guevara re-enters the ring before the ten-count, adopting an old-school approach. The two exchange right hands, and Guevara responds with an enziguiri and a superkick for a two-count. Guevara goes up top, backflips off, and gets caught by a lariat from Starks. GTH by Guevara, but Starks lands on his feet and jackknifes him for a two-count. Starks attempts the interceptor spear, but Guevara gets his knees up. A superkick by Guevara secures the victory.
Winner: Sammy Guevara
**Rating: 2/5.** This match seemed like a series of moves without a clear narrative.
After the match, a handshake between Guevara and Starks is interrupted by an attack from Big Bill. Chris Jericho arrives with a remix of Judas, delivering a Codebreaker on Big Bill as the brawl spills into the crowd.
Match #4: Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Thunder Rosa, & Anna Jay vs. Julia Hart, Ruby Soho, Saraya, & Skye Blue
Thunder Rosa and Ruby Soho initiate the match with an elbow exchange. Hart tags herself in, charging into the corner. Quick tags ensue, with Rosa delivering a low dropkick to Ruby. Willow, tagged in, attempts an avalanche in the corner but is thwarted by Harley Cameron. During a commercial break, Willow faces trouble. The action picks up, leading to a chaotic eight-way suplex by Willow's team. Anna Jay and Julia Hart face off, and Jay secures the Queenslayer, leading to Blue tapping out.
Winners: Anna Jay, Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, & Thunder Rosa
**Rating: 2.5/5.** Similar to the men's match, this bout pays tribute to Brody Lee, with Anna Jay securing the victory.
Wheeler Yuta challenges Eddie Kingston for a match next week, asserting his independence.
Match #5: Roderick Strong vs. Bryan Keith
A quick yet enjoyable match unfolds, with Roderick Strong demonstrating his prowess. Keith's potential addition to AEW is acknowledged, and Strong wins the match with the End of Heartache.
Winner: Roderick Strong
**Rating: 2.25/5.** Despite its brevity, the match delivers an entertaining experience.
Adam Cole takes the mic, expressing that The Undisputed Kingdom aims for respect and foresees Wardlow becoming the AEW World Heavyweight Champion.
Renee interviews Deonna Purrazzo, who sets her sights on Toni Storm and announces her AEW debut against Red Velvet at Collision.
Match #6: Texas Tornado Tag: Sting & Darby Allin vs. Powerhouse Hobbs & Konosuke Takeshita
The match begins with chaos spilling throughout the arena. Sting and Hobbs trade chops by the Daley's Place sign. Darby executes a Coffin Splash off the top to the floor, and Takeshita responds with a Chaos Theory. Hobbs and Takeshita toss Darby across the ring like a sack of potatoes. Sting intervenes with a Stinger Splash on Hobbs, who retaliates with a Powerdrive Knee. Ric Flair appears, delivering chops to Hobbs, and Darby executes a suicide dive to Takeshita. Sting lands a Spinebuster on Hobbs, and Takeshita is caught with a Scorpion Death Drop off the ledge through tables. Sting and Darby secure the victory.
Winners: Sting & Darby Allin
**Rating: 3/5.** Despite the match's brevity, the crowd's energy and Sting's performance contribute to an entertaining spectacle.
As Tony Schiavone enters the ring, he poses the question of Sting's final match opponent.
**Superkick… PARTAY!**
The Young Bucks return, both sporting mustaches. Darby kneels in the ring, begging for it, as The Bucks stare down. Sting whispers something to Darby as the show concludes.
Final Thoughts:
Daley's Place, though smaller, adds charm to the venue. The opener between Hangman and Claudio was hot, the main event thrilled the crowd, and Samoa Joe's title reign is off to a strong start. The return of The Young Bucks sets up an exciting match for Revolution. The show receives a rating of 8/10.
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