AEW Rampage (Feb. 2, 2024) originated from the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA, showcasing CMLL luchadores and highlighting Sammy Guevara’s determined mission.
Let’s delve into the event with a comprehensive recap and subsequent reactions.
Handling commentary duties were Excalibur and Tony Schiavone, with Justin Roberts overseeing ring announcer responsibilities.
In the matchup between Private Party and Top Flight, Action Andretti’s ringside presence thwarted Marq Quen’s attempt to replicate his previous victory’s roll-up tactic. Private Party maintained focus, executing a Silly String on Dante Martin. Despite Quen’s shooting star press, Darius Martin intervened with a jumping stomp.
Top Flight seized control through strategic teamwork. Darius eliminated Isiah Kassidy with a suicide dive, leading to a double-team effort on Quen, culminating in Dante’s half nelson swinging slam. Post-match, Top Flight extended a handshake of respect, met with Private Party playfully patting their heads. Commentary hinted at the possibility of a rubber match in the future.
Top Flight emerged victorious over Private Party.
Sammy Guevara has received medical clearance for competition, and he’s set his sights on Will Hobbs, accusing him of stealing the tag team titles and depriving his daughter of a better life with increased financial opportunities as a champion. Sammy is making it personal, declaring that his confrontation with Hobbs won’t be limited to a scheduled match – he’s ready to attack anytime, anywhere.
In another development, Jay Lethal, geared up to lead team practice, faced reluctance from his teammates. Ultimately, Lethal canceled the practice, leading to an explosive outburst from Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett asserted that Lethal’s niceness was the team’s problem, emphasizing the need for the ruthless edge that brought them together in the first place.
The tag team title eliminator match between Ricky Starks & Big Bill Morrissey and Dark Order unfolded, with Darby Allin providing commentary but staying out of the match. Dark Order aggressively took control early on, but a hot tag to Bill shifted the momentum. The Dark Order’s quick teamwork proved effective against the giant, but Bill rebounded with a powerful Boss Man Slam. Starks, seizing the opportunity, styled and profiled in front of his home crowd. The Absolute speared Evil Uno on the floor and fended off John Silver to secure the victory with the Roshambo.
Ricky Starks & Big Bill Morrissey emerged victorious over Dark Order in the tag team title eliminator match.
Will Hobbs dismissed Sammy Guevara’s threats with a laugh, issuing a warning that Sammy should hope he doesn’t encounter him first.
In the matchup between Willow Nightingale and Queen Aminata, Kris Statlander and Stooley Hathaway were present ringside to support Willow. The bout was highly competitive, and Willow secured victory by evading Aminata’s running hip attack. Willow followed up with a cannonball in the corner, a Death Valley Driver, and a Doctor Bomb. Demonstrating sportsmanship, Willow paid respects to her opponent, and Stooley reluctantly joined his team for celebratory boogie woogie dance moves.
Willow Nightingale emerged victorious over Queen Aminata.
During Orange Cassidy’s time, Roderick Strong intervened, and Adam Cole, referencing Chuck Taylor’s injury, proposed a trios match for the upcoming week.
The Outcasts approached Willow Nightingale, with Harley Cameron biting Stokely Hathaway. Big Stoke defended Willow, asserting that only he can insult her. Kris Statlander suggested a tag team bout for the following week.
AEW takes on CMLL in a thrilling showdown where Daddy Magic, Cool Hand Ang, Christopher Daniels, and Matt Sydal faced off against Mistico, Hechicero, Volador Jr., and Mascara Dorada. The luchadores set a rapid pace in the ring from the get-go. The AEW squad strategically targeted Mascara Dorada to establish control. A pivotal hot tag to Hechicero ignited a flurry of moves throughout the match. Volador Jr. executed a spectacular suicide dive on Cool Hand, Mistico soared with a flying crossbody on Daddy Magic, and Mascara Dorada leaped into a corkscrew dive onto Sydal. In a dramatic turn of events, Hechicero trapped Daniels in a precarious position, executing a skillful roll-up to secure victory for CMLL over AEW.
The card featured engaging action throughout, with predictable results and delightful promos. While this episode provided easy satisfaction for viewers, skipping it wouldn’t have resulted in missing much.
The main event showcased a captivating lucha libre display, highlighting CMLL talent with impressive flips. Although lacking in dramatic twists, the purpose was to generate anticipation for their future appearances on AEW television—a mission successfully accomplished. AEW’s utilization of the Forbidden Door concept adds an element of excitement, offering special treats to fans.
Top Flight and Private Party delivered a compelling rematch, setting the stage for a third encounter. The Martin brothers infused personal intensity into the match, emphasizing impactful moves that resonated with extra oomph. While Private Party showcased both skill and humor, the rubber match promises to be entertaining.
Ricky Starks and Big Bill Morrissey efficiently handled business, securing victory in preparation for their upcoming tag team title defense against Sting and Darby Allin. The match served as an effective warm-up to maintain their competitive edge.
Willow Nightingale and Queen Aminata engaged in a solid bout, with Aminata’s costly mistake leading to Willow’s victory. Stokely Hathaway’s unintentional warming up to Willow added a humorous element, complemented by the eccentricity of Harley Cameron, providing great laughs.
Sammy Guevara set the stage for his next feud, targeting Will Hobbs after already facing the Callis Family. Hobbs responded with justified defiance, and anticipation builds for Sammy’s unpredictable attacks. Jeff Jarrett brought intensity to the issues with Jay Lethal, showcasing a gradual development in Lethal’s storyline beyond his winless streak in the Continental Classic. Renee Paquette’s portrayal of Orange Cassidy’s lackadaisical energy added a humorous touch to the overall narrative.
