AEW Rampage Review - January 21, 2022

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Jon Moxley def. "All Ego" Ethan Page

This was already obvious following his return on Wednesday's Dynamite, but Moxley looks fantastic and is in much better shape than he was when we last saw him on TV three months ago. Page was the perfect first opponent back for him because he's a solid wrestler and is a step above the usual enhancement talent despite not winning a singles match on TV since last June. It was competitive enough that Page looked credible in defeat and Moxley didn't look weak. The bigger story is that Bryan Danielson confronted Moxley afterward in the aisleway. That's a feud I can absolutely get  behind.

Trent Beretta def. Nick Jackson

It was originally supposed to be The Young Bucks against the reunited Roppongi Vice, but Rocky Romero testing positive for COVID-19 caused plans to change. Beretta is actually quite great on his own, but I don't ever see him being pushed at a serious level in singles competition. This was an enjoyable encounter, but I could've done without the constant kickouts down the stretch after the Canadian Destroyer and the piledriver. Not every match has to be dragged out like it's for a world championship on pay-per-view, especially if it's in the middle of the card on a show like Rampage. Beretta winning was the right call as I expect Young Bucks to beat Roppongi Vice when that match happens.

Hook def. Serpentico

Serpentico is a goof, so Hook should've had no issue beating him here. Sure enough, this was total domination from Hook. His offense continues to look impressive and the people are still super into him. QT Marshall came out afterward and Hook wasted no time in laying him out on the stage, so I guess we know who Hook's next opponent is going to be. Weren't they teasing Tony Nese facing Hook at one point? Where the hell did he go?

AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill def. Anna Jay

Both of these women are going to be the future of this division and I'm sure a match between them will be even better in a year or two. There was zero chance Jay was going to take the title here, but I thought she gave it a good effort and it was a nice main event for Rampage. There were some slower-paced moments, but it could have been a much rougher outing. With the win, Cargill extended her undefeated streak to 25-0.

Overall Show

This was a well-structured show that had a little bit of everything. Moxley's return to the ring and subsequent face-off with Danielson was the biggest story of the night in my book, but Beretta vs. Jackson (nitpicking aside) was a treat, Hook scored another squash, and Cargill and Jay exceeded expectations in the main event. Rampage hasn't felt "must-see" in months, but this was one of the better editions in recent memory with all four matches going about as long as they should have.

SEE MORE: Rampage Reviews