5 things AEW did right on Rampage: The First Dance - Kenny Omega reacts to CM Punk debut; Two new stars made

#1. Closing the show with Sting and Darby Allin standing tall on AEW Rampage: The First Dance

Sting and Darby Allin at Rampage tonight

It says a lot about Sting that he's a major player in AEW, and it doesn't feel like desperation on the company's part. Sting's performances have been way more impressive than anyone had any right to expect, and it's been really fun to watch.

However, at no point has it felt like AEW is building their narrative around him. Instead, they're clearly using his clout and experience to build someone who really is the future of the company - Darby Allin.

holy shit, what a photo. #CMPunk #DarbyAllin #AEWRampage pic.twitter.com/ULqjw94O3H

— Hollow. (@Alexand07180305) August 21, 2021

Now, look. Darby Allin is the exact same height as me and weighs exactly 15 pounds more than I do. Yet, the things he does in the ring, the risks he takes, and the stories he tells make him the guy AEW needs to build the company around over the next 5-10 years. He's that good.

Having him stand tall with an icon like Sting, a former AEW Champion in Jon Moxley and the most underrated performer of his generation in Eddie Kingston is something else.

That too, at the end of what will probably go down as the company's most watched hour of television up to this point, is such a smart long-term business move that I'm angry that I didn't think of it.

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What was your favorite part of the show tonight? Are you excited ahead of CM Punk vs Darby Allin at All Out? Head down to the comments and share your thoughts with the world.

Check out the following video in which the legend Dutch Mantell and the manager of stars Kenny Bolin break down all the action from the Summerslam go-home edition of WWE SmackDown and AEW Rampage - The First Dance w/the debut of CM Punk:

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