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The third edition of AEW Full Gear concluded tonight, but it has created some history-making moments that fans will remember in years to come.
Given the underwhelming build-up to the marquee pay-per-view, the company did a far more commendable job conveying the storytelling inside the ring. However, the lack of surprises may have left a sour taste in everybody's mouths, considering what Tony Khan pulled off at the All Out pay-per-view in September.
Still, the crowd at the Target Center in Minneapolis remained electric until the end of the show. We'll now quickly get down to the positives and negatives from this event. Since this will be the reviewer's perspective on the article, feel free to share your thoughts as well.
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#5 Best: Hangman Page dethrones Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship
One of the biggest highlights of Full Gear occurred during the main event of the show. Hangman Page finally fulfilled his prophecy of becoming AEW World Champion by defeating Kenny Omega. It also marked the culmination of a long-running rivalry between two former friends.
It was a terrific bout, which saw both men laying their entire arsenal on display to put each other down. Earlier in the night, when Bryan Danielson emerged as the No.1 contender, fans were in bated breath wondering if the company might keep the title around Omega's waist.
When he pushed the referee to take Page's Buckshot Lariat, it almost made everyone believe that the fan-favorite star could get screwed. However, a laser-focused Hangman Page put an end to Kenny Omega's reign at 346 days.
Moreover, The Young Bucks' respect towards The Cowboy possibly teased multiple stories moving forward. The gesture could be their way of settling their differences aside from Page. Most importantly, it might kickstart a rift between The Elite faction, thus leading to Omega taking time off.
Regardless of what happens, Hangman Page's victory kickstarts a new era on Dynamite programming next week. It will be interesting to see what All Elite Wrestling has in store for their new champion down the road.
#4 Worst: An underwhelming debut at AEW Full Gear
Heading into tonight's AEW Full Gear, fans were buzzing over the possibility of seeing either Bray Wyatt or Braun Strowman make their debut.
Instead, the company brought in 20-year veteran Jay Lethal. There's no doubt that the former TNA star is a well-known name in the pro wrestling business, given his impressive accolades. However, with the hottest free agents still lurking in the market today, one would wonder why Tony Khan didn't bring a top-notch name.
It was the promotion's last pay-per-view of the year, which would have been the perfect stage and time for someone to make a jaw-dropping debut. It seems like a missed opportunity and the only aspect lacking from this year's Full Gear show.
#3 Best: Eddie Kingston bringing a ruthless CM Punk
Eddie Kingston and CM Punk caught the wrestling fans' attention after delivering a hard-fought battle tonight. The Straight Edge Superstar won at the end in what was his toughest match in All Elite Wrestling so far.
Meanwhile, Kingston won the hearts of the people despite coming up short. Both arch-rivals brought 15 years of animosity into the ring as they ripped each other apart. The Mad Kingston bit off Punk's head, thus leaving the former WWE Superstar busted open. Meanwhile, Punk's mocking of John Cena's signature 'You Can't See Me' maneuver garnered a massive response from fans.
Given the look on both men's faces during the bout, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say that there must be some truth to the story they told during the build-up.
Kingston pushed Punk to his limit. In fact, he has brought the best out of The Straight Edge Superstar. Considering the potential of this rivalry, let's just hope that Tony Khan prolongs this feud.
#2 Worst: A train-wreck of a match at AEW Full Gear
Despite an overall impressive AEW Full Gear, a few bouts like the tag team match pitting Cody Rhodes and PAC against Andrade and Malakai Black didn't deliver on the hype. The entire playout felt rushed, and it went longer than it should have been.
Given that all four members were forcefully tagging themselves, especially Rhodes and PAC, it diminished the quality of what could have been a show-stealer. If the company was planting seeds for Cody Rhodes' potential heel turn on The Bastard, then the outcome of this match shouldn't have gone in their favor.
With Black and Andrade losing yet another contest, it appears as if the credibility and steam that they picked up recently have blown away. All Elite Wrestling must end this feud so that every man can move on to bigger and better things.
#1 Best/Worst: Strange finish to MJF-Darby Allin opening match at AEW Full Gear
MJF pinning Darby Allin after hitting a side headlock takedown felt like an absurd booking decision at Full Gear. Mr. Friedman used the Dynamite Diamond Ring first before putting down the former TNT Champion for good.
The shoddy finish came as a disappointment since both men delivered a hellacious opening encounter on the show. It had even set the level of the bar for the rest of the matches to follow.
Even though the company had to book MJF over, there could have been multiple ways of doing it. Fans wouldn't have complained to see a clean finish to the bout. Nevertheless, both the stars proved why people call them the top two pillars of AEW. It was a match for the ages, but whether or not their rivalry will continue remains to be seen.
