AEW Rampage: Winter Is Coming Review - December 15, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy and The Von Erichs def. "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard, "Cool Hand" Angelo Parker and Jake Hager

I was exposed to Ross and Marshall Von Erich's work in MLW when I started watching the product in late 2021 up until their departure last year. They completely disappeared from the wrestling scene after that, but I'd like to see them sign with a bigger promotion and AEW might be it if this was designed to be a tryout for them. This was an enjoyable opener and it was cool to hear the Texas crowd so behind The Von Erichs. They were also into the post-match moment with Kevin Von Erich locking in The Iron Claw on Hager.

The Don Callis Family (Powerhouse Hobbs and Kyle Fletcher) def. Hunter Grey and Paul Titan

​Grey and Titan didn't look like your typical "local athletes," but Hobbs and Fletcher put them away with ease, anyway. Hobbs has teamed with Konosuke Takeshita a few times on Rampage in the last month or so, but this was the first time it's been Hobbs and Fletcher. They worked well together, but I want to see more of them in singles competition. How the hell are none of the members in the Continental Classic? Don Callis addressed Chris Jericho afterward and said that anyone from The Don Callis Family can target The Golden Jets at any time. However, this was taped before Kenny Omega announced he'll be out indefinitely with diverticulitis, so I assume that means Jericho is back on his own for now.

Anna Jay def. Red Velvet

I honestly almost forget Velvet returned because she was featured a few times prior to Full Gear and I don't think we've seen her since. This was a well-worked match and they got some time, but its lack of significance made it difficult to care. Jay is still involved with the ex-Jericho Appreciation Society members and I have no idea why. Then again, I fear she'd never appear on television if she were by herself, though she'd make for the perfect valet for her real-life boyfriend Jack Perry when he resurfaces.

Action Andretti and Top Flight def. AAA Cruiserweight Champion, Komander, AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo and Penta El Zero Miedo

This match was teased a few weeks ago backstage on Dynamite and it was every bit as chaotic as you'd expect given who was involved. Jericho on commentary called it one of the most amazing matches he's ever seen, and while I wouldn't go that far (I feel we see this sort of stuff weekly in AEW), it was definitely a blast. Yes, it was a total spot-fest, but the crowd sure didn't seem to mind. It took me a second to remember who the AEW World Trios Champions are (The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn, where have they been lately?), but I imagine Andretti and Top Flight have to be in line for the next shot.

Overall Show

​Despite this show feeling like an afterthought airing opposite of ROH Final Battle, it exceeded my expectations and turned out to be a quality edition of Rampage. The Von Erichs appearing in the opener was a treat and the main event was obviously a spectacle. The two matches in the middle were whatever, on the whole, this show was slightly better than your average offering from Rampage with a lively crowd in Texas to boot.

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