 CM Punk Challenged Darby Allin to a Match at All OutI don't swear in my reviews often, but holy shit. This was undoubtedly a moment in time. Of course, I'm biased because I've been a CM Punk fan for over a decade, but this was such a magical moment and I think most of us can agree that this was one of the biggest reactions in wrestling history. I still get goosebumps reliving it in my head now. Everything about this was pure perfection. From the fact it started the show to the deafening reaction he received to the heartfelt promo he cut, it was something special. I love how no one interrupted him or came out instead. It was just Punk talking to the people, explaining how his passion for pro wrestling returned, and that he'll be facing Darby Allin at All Out in two weeks. You won't find many debuts/returns better than this, folks. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus) def. Private Party in an AEW World Tag Team Championship Eliminator Tournament Quarterfinal MatchNeedless to say, these guys were in a tough spot having to follow that extremely hot opening segment, but I thought they did as solid of a job as they could. It was an enjoyable encounter with the right team going over. I maintain that Private Party has fallen far since they beat The Young Bucks on that second episode of Dynamite two years ago. Turning them heel was probably a bad idea in retrospect and they've been lost in the shuffle in the H.F.O., which has been abysmal. I expect The Lucha Brothers to make it to the finals of this mini tournament as well with Jurassic Express likely over over. Them winning the AEW World Tag Team Championship at All Out would be cool, but part of me wishes AEW would save the title change for the New York City show and they can lose to Santana and Ortiz instead. Jade Cargill def. Kiera HoganThe mini video package this bout got was a nice touch. Hogan just debuted for AEW this past week on Monday's Dark: Elevation and it was well-documented in my IMPACT reviews that I'm a fan of hers and believe she has a lot of potential. I hope AEW signs her if they haven't already as their women's division could use a few more names at least. Unfortunately for her, this was a complete squash, but at least Cargill continues to look good in these short-and-sweet squashes. Jon Moxley def. Daniel GarciaThe split-screen interviews Mark Henry conducted beforehand with Moxley and Garcia was well done. Henry did the same thing last week with Britt Baker and Red Velvet before the main event, so I like that being a regular thing on Rampage. The match was pretty much what you'd expect, but it was enjoyable despite being brief. Garcia scored a decent amount of offense, so it's clear AEW sees something in him. Post-match, 2.0 (who are now officially signed by AEW) ambushed Moxley only to be laid out by Eddie Kingston, Allin and Sting. I thought Punk would resurface to go face-to-face with Allin, but it was a fine way to send the crowd home happy without overshadowing anyone, nonetheless. Overall ShowWe all tuned into this show anticipating one thing and it delivered in spades. I raved earlier about how perfect of a debut it was for Punk, but I can't stress enough how truly epic it was and how it will remembered and talked about for years to come. The Chicago crowd brought it tonight and got me excited to be there in person for the Rampage before All Out in a few weeks and then for the pay-per-view itself that Sunday. Punk's arrival was far and away the best part of this episode, but everything else was solid. I just hope they can keep this show as meaningful as Dynamite and not let it lose steam like most secondary wrestling programs that aren't the flagship show.
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