The final pay-per-view from All Elite Wrestling is in the history books. Judging from online reactions, one can surmise there were mixed reactions to the outcomes. To my usual wrestling party at home, the same could be said. Overall it was a good event, but the consensus felt the majority of matches were lacking and some just didn’t seem to hit the right chords.
That being said, the final three matches of the night, Copeland vs. Cage, Mox vs. Kingston, and Joe vs. MJF were universally hailed as fantastic wrestling matches, despite whether individuals agreed on the outcomes. A number of swerves (including one with Swerve) were scattered throughout the show.
The pre-show featured three good warm-up bouts, Willow Nightingale defeating Kris Statlander, Killasaurus (or whatever he’s called) wins a 20-man battle royal), and Hook retains the FTW Championship against Wheeler Yuta.
Both Yuta and Hook haven’t been featured much so having them headline a pre-show seems acceptable. However, both are titleholders and in the future would likely benefit from more than just backstage segments to promote their feud.
Statlander and Nightingale are hometown favorites, and it would seem their nerves showed on more than one occasion. Willow was clearly seen frustrated on camera, acknowledging their match wasn’t to their own liking.
Luchaswitch winning the battle royal and earning a TNT Championship match was an interesting choice. It may have left fans wondering should Cage have retained, would the deadly dinosaur cash in on his boss?
Promo featuring the return of Serena Deeb airs. Here is where a solid injection into the women’s division would be very welcome. A woman of her caliber does not need to be immediately inserted into a title picture, but rather go on a tour of decimating opponents week after week would be a smart decision.
The main show featured an interesting mix of matches, and while in the past some big matches would be scattered throughout the show, the big three were all saved for the end.
The show opens with a fun eight-man tag as Daniel Garcia, Mark Briscoe, Claudio Castignoli, and Bryan Danielson defeated RUSH, Jay White, Jay Lethal, and Brody King
It’s safe to say Brody King doesn’t need the House of Black. The guy is a one man wrecking machine. Putting Garcia next to the likes of Castagnoli and Danielson while also facing King and White is a pleasant reminder of how good this kid can be. I do hope he completely embraces the “I’m a Wrestler” bit and gives audiences the version of Garcia prior to joining the J.A.S. I don’t mind his dancing at all, everyone has to have some sort of non-serious shtick once in a while.
Again, and fun opener to give main event wrestlers a spot to deliver some enjoyment to a red hot Long Island crowd.
Miro defeated Andrade El Idolo
Unfortunately, news of Andrade’s imminent departure might have put a gray cloud on the match, however the performance of both Miro and Andrade seems a bit, lacking. Something was missing. It felt slow, plodding, as if both were simply going through the motions, which included big spots, which then didn’t feel as impactful. The turn by CJ Perry did get a nice reaction from the live crowd, which ultimately led to Andrade’s loss.
If this is his final match in AEW, then it felt like a somber send off. His final bout in the Continental Classic would have been a proper send off. It’s sad when you think about it, Andrade returned to TV not too long ago and every match he was soundly supported by live crowds.
As for Miro? He hasn’t been seen much on either show, and again, didn’t seem to carry the impact he should have on his return to PPV. Hopefully he will be featured more, otherwise I’m just not sure what purpose he’ll have in 2024.
“Timeless” Toni Storm defeated Riho to retain the AEW Women’s Championship
Anything Toni Storm does is a work of art, this match was no different. On the one hand, predicting Riho losing to Storm was an easy pick, as it seems more established and former champions are going to be pushed for the purpose of boosting Storm’s third reign as champion. But is this really necessary? How about some more organic feuds instead? Storm is at her best right now, and I am worried the “obsessive fan” gimmick in Mariah May might ruin it all if drawn out too long. We know how this one ends, May gets shunned or this was all a ploy to sneak her way into a title out without earning it.
Luther as the butler is genius.
Swerve Strickland defeated Dustin Rhodes
Unfortunately, Keith Lee was pulled due to not being medically cleared to compete. Dustin is still considered his tag team partner so he gets the call. Unfortunately, a choppy and awkward pacing hurt this one. Having an ankle crushed by a cinderblock should incapacitate anyone. I know Dustin is a churchgoing fellow, but even the power of faith doesn’t make one physically invincible. For a guy who should have been hobbling, he did a lot of impressive maneuvers. Ultimately Strickland won, but this could have been scrubbed or delayed for Dynamite.
Does this unintentionally cool off Swerve’s run? I say no. If Lee had been able to complete, this would have been potential for a show-stealer. Swerve could be downplayed temporarily only to then surprise us all with an impromptu title win. With one man holding three championships which can be defended jointly or individually, and a brand new World Champion, the championship scene is potential playground for Swerve.
Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, Sting, and Chris Jericho defeated KonosUke Takeshita, Will Hobbs, Ricky Starks, and Big Bill
I would have booked the heels to win. But, they need to establish solid contenders for the tag team championships and Sting being present, I get why the faces went over. Sting isn’t going out with any losses until Revolution.
Unfortunately the match suffered from a spiteful live crowd, lack of chemistry in the ring, and overall awkwardness. Nothing seemed to click except for Darby being beaten senseless like he usually is. Sammy gets the pin on Ricky to push the new tag team contenders storyline, which at this point should just be dropped and go with another established team. Once Omega was out the novelty of those two tagging vanished and so did interest in this arc.
In case it isn’t obvious by now, Sting’s final opponent at Revolution will be Darby Allin.
Julia Hart retains the TBS Championship against Abadon
Again, another match where one individual is forcibly boosted to serve as fodder. However, like the Women’s Championship earlier, was still fun to watch and the chant of “This is spooky” from the live crowd added to the enjoyment. Could Abadon have won the title? Possibly. As this was her first challenge (I think), this might be a good test run to see if she might be a future title holder or at least someone who could chase the championship again. I wouldn’t mind if this was the first of a series of matches between them.
The interference from Skye Blue (or Black?) wasn’t really necessary but reinforces the union between them.
Adam Copeland defeated Christian Cage for the TNT Championship
Here is where the PPV kicked into high gear. Up until now the majority of matches didn’t quite have the PPV feel to it, but here’s is where the PPV take a positive turn.
Everyone noticed the identical ring gear Copeland wore, to that of his Harcore Rules match with Mic Foley back in 2006. He also took a nasty shot to the eye which was noticeably swelling throughout the match. This was an all-out fight, no wrestling here. Kendo sticks, chairs, and of course the dreaded flaming table spot. Copeland was out for blood while Cage relied on manipulation and anticipating to gain the advantage. Nick Wayne was the victim of the flaming table spot, and even with the near-miss, it looked like it hurt.
When Copeland speared Cage through a table, I thought somehow Nick Wayne’s mom was somehow going to eat it instead.
Copeland wins the championship through the carnage, but wait…
… A wild Killswichasaurus appears? Apparently, that contract won in the battle royal meant anytime! So he blindsides Copeland and is about to pin him, until Cage whispers in the big oaf’s ear and he hands Cage the contract. So Christian Cage cashes in instead, and reclaims the title.
Christian Cage defeated Adam Copeland to regain the TNT Championship
That was… odd.
So Copeland gets the emotional victory but not the championship? Eh, but this means the feud extends to the next PPV, as Christian Cage can now claim he outsmarted Copeland yet again.
I’m 50/50 on this one. He wins, but ultimately loses?
I would be remiss to call out the spot everyone loved, Nigel McGuiness talking smack towards Copeland, but is caught by Copeland and immediately told to shut up. Nigel complies and goes into his time out corner.
Crying pic.twitter.com/onf4B1Ql1A
— Raion (@Raion74_) December 31, 2023
Eddie Kingston defeats Jon Moxley and retains the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, retains the Ring of Honor World Championship, and is the inaugural AEW Continental Crowd Champion
There is nothing but pure joy from watching “The King of the Bums” win a triple crown championship match. The tournament itself was fantastic, Kingston managing to climb back from potential elimination drove home a reminder no one really needed: He is the most relatable, human, and endearing wrestler of the modern era. Even Brian Solomon said it over a year ago on Twitter:
What makes Eddie Kingston so great and what makes him stand out is the same simple thing that made many others so great long ago: He’s believable.
— Brian R. Solomon (@BrianRSolomon) June 12, 2022
Eddie Kingston since his arrival has been nothing but pure heart. Regardless whether he was portrayed as heel or organically babyface, the guy lives and breathes wrestling, he respects wrestling, and even though he has said in multiple interviews since joining AEW how he doesn’t need to be champion, I’m so glad he has become one. The guy deserves it. No question.
Bryan Danielson on commentary felt special. Despite rooting for Mox, he put over Kingston with respect and honor.
The wrestling was intense, very similar to a NJPW style, where suplexes and slams were not just suplexes and slams, they felt like power and statement-making. Kingston took a nasty unintentional bump early on with a dive to the floor. Later on, Kingston surely chopped the soul out of Mox multiple times. I would have loved to be in the arena just to hear the echo.
The final spinning backfist from Kingston sent Mox crumpled in a heap. As the ref’s hand struck three, the crowd erupted with volcanic ovation. Mox hugging it out with Kingston was a nice touch, leaving the triple crown winner center stage to embrace the victory.
HE DID IT! Eddie Kingston is the FIRST EVER #AEWContinentalClassic winner and the FIRST #AEW Continental Champion!
Order #AEWWorldsEnd LIVE on PPV!
🇺🇸: https://t.co/TiDZIQm5Hp
🌐: https://t.co/2USw7IAedK#EddieKingston | @JonMoxley pic.twitter.com/in0fF7esan— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 31, 2023
Samoa Joe defeated MJF by referee stoppage to become the new AEW World Heavyweight Champion
One could say it would have been difficult not to see this coming. Most, if not all fans already knew the extent of his injuries and the rumors of him taking time off were pretty widespread. With the addition of the “Devil” storyline coming to a conclusion, it was clear a title change was likely, despite being in Long Island.
Speaking of the Most Magical Place on Earth, the into for MJF was fantastic. Whoever scripted the video package deserves a raise.
The addition of Adam Cole at ringside was an eyebrow raiser for sure.
They put on a great match despite MJF being hurt. The Muscle Buster on the apron was hard to watch. If he wasn’t injured before, he certainly was now.
Joe and MJF trying to outmaneuver each other was intense at the end, but ultimately Joe locked in the clutch sleeper for the win. The ref raised MJF’s hand, once, twice, and fell for the third time. The live Long Island crowd was shocked and dismayed to see their hero fall in such a way.
Honestly, I am surprised at how many people didn’t like the finish. It was unexpected, unpredicted, and that is the way wrestling matches should end. They don’t all need the big special big move finish, or the long, drawn out conclusion. At least that is how it used to be.
As Joe celebrates, the Devils’ henchmen storm the ring and attack MJF. The lights go out and back on to reveal Adam Cole sitting in a chair, flanked by Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, Mike Bennet, and Wardlow. The Kingdom have reunited and now includes Wardlow. Like it or not, it makes sense. Cole and company were a stable in the past, and Wardlow multiple times told MJF he would make his life miserable. Sometimes the answer can truly be the one put right in front of our faces.
Hell, even The Righteous told us so.
Hope dies in the hand’s of believers, who seek truth in liars eyes….
We told you so, @The_MJF.
Death Walks, my friend……#AEWWorldsEnd pic.twitter.com/Oa2HNoEp2P
— DUTCH (@DEATHxWALKS) December 31, 2023
So there you have it. Overall I would say a B- pay-per-view. I grade this without any of the rumors floating around social media. I grade this based on what was televised. Unfortunately not all matches seemed to deliver and it only felt like a true PPV once the Copeland/Cage match began. From there, the Kingston/Mox match stole the show, and MJF/Joe delivered a championship quality main event.
As for the reveal of the Devil and his followers? I’m perfectly fine with it. MJF will “lose his smile” and walk away from television. No doubt on the first Dynamite of 2024 in Newark, NJ, he will talk about needing to heal from injury, and perhaps drop the not-so-subtle hint his contract expires this year and perhaps rekindle the whole “bidding war of 2024” gimmick. With MJF out, Cole and his goon squad will likely challenge and claim the AEW Trios Championships, pursue “Hangman” Adam Page, and for some reason challenge anyone else who might have been associated with MJF.
This leaves Samoa Joe wide open for an array of challengers. Could we get Joe vs. Kingston? Yes please. Jay White? Bryan Danielson? The list goes on and can become very imaginative.
I will not get into the media scrum because I don’t freaking want to.
The only, one and only comment I will make is that as soon as Toni Storm left the table Tony Khan should have taken off that ridiculous hat and sunglasses. Come on man.
