AEW Rampage Review - February 3, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

AEW World Trios Champions The Elite (Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks) def. The Firm ("All Ego" Ethan Page, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy)

It was already announced that the winners of this match would defend against on Wednesday's Dynamite, so it was extremely obvious The Elite was winning. Despite that, this was a fun, fast-paced opener and I didn't mind it getting as much time as it did. I continue to dig the dynamic with Page and Hardy as they play off each other really well. It was also a nice boost to get The Elite in action on Rampage for a change.

Swerve Strickland def. Brian Pillman Jr.

These two may know each other from their respective runs in MLW, though I'm not sure if they were there around the same time. I'm all for Pillman getting more opportunities on his own now that it looks like The Blonds (formerly The Varsity Blonds) are over and done with. He's got potential, but AEW needs to showcase him more. Granted, this was all about Strickland, but Pillman was impressive in defeat and it was a quality contest.

Saraya and Toni Storm def. The Renegade Twins

This was easily the least important a Saraya match has felt yet in AEW. I realize this was designed to give Saraya and Storm their first tag team win as heels, and I also realize The Renegade Twins have competed on AEW TV a handful of times in the past, but was it really necessary for this to last over five minutes? Saraya and Storm should have won quicker. It's amazing Saraya being back in the ring already doesn't feel special anymore.

Rush def. Christopher Daniels

This honestly felt like a main event more fitting for ROH TV. I'm not shocked it headlined Rampage, but it really shouldn't have if Tony Khan is trying to tell people that the show is more important now. The Elite probably opened the show because that was when the crowd was at their hottest, but it made the end of the episode feel inconsequential. Don't get me wrong, this was a good match and I cherish any opportunity we get to see Daniels compete at this stage of his career, but I don't think it belonged in the main event spot. If nothing else, it gave Rush a win before he faces Bryan Danielson next Wednesday on Dynamite.

Overall Show

The Elite having a title defense on this edition of Rampage made it more noteworthy than usual, even if the outcome was never in doubt. I can't even say Saraya wrestling was special at all because it was the most forgettable thing on the show. I liked Strickland being showcased, but I'm waiting for his rivalry with Keith Lee to pick up again. Finally, the main event was enjoyable albeit skippable. The opener put this episode one slight step above average by Rampage standards.

SEE MORE: Rampage Reviews