AEW Rampage
Episode 5
#AEWRampage
Original Air Date: September 10, 2021
Event Date: September 8, 2021
(aired on TNT)
City: Cincinnati, OH
Venue: Fifth Third Arena
Commentary: Jim Ross, Mark Henry, Tony Schiavone, Taz
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Intro Video
Match 1
Andrade El Idolo w/ Chave Guerrero Jr., Jose Garcia vs “The Bastard” Pac
(referee: Bryce Remsburg)
Result: Andrade El Idolo wins via pinfall after Chavo hits Pac with a tablet computer
Time: 14:13 (1 commercial break)
Match Thoughts
Very good match. The action was great, with both men providing powerful, agile offense. Neither one of them really had any sustained advantage for most of the match, but Pac started to put together a great sequence blending defense and offense later in the bout. That prompted Jose Garcia to get onto the apron to cause a distraction. The Lucha Brothers ran out and took care of Jose, but that left Chavo free to do what he wanted behind the referee’s back. That led to a slightly frustrating ending to a really good match. The finish will clearly play into future story lines, and Pac and Andrade will most likely have another match.
Ring Area
After the match, the Lucha Brothers check on Pac as Andrade, Chavo, and Jose walk away. Andrade looks concerned, apparently asking Chavo if he hit Pac (which Andrade didn’t see during the match). Jose tells Andrade what happened, so Andrade hits Chavo, knocking him down to the ramp. Andrade and Jose walk away together as Chavo takes a double superkick from the Lucha Brothers. Chavo is then rolled into the ring where he suffers Pac’s Brutalizer.
Ring Area
In the ring, Tony Schiavone welcomes Darby Allin and Sting. Allin says that Shawn Spears is nothing without Tully Blanchard. Sting responds to Tully’s words from a few days ago, inviting Tully to come to the ring for a fight right now. Tully Blanchard comes out to the stage. As he talks, Shawn Spears sneaks up, pulls Allin out of the ring, and hits Allin with C4 on the floor. Tully gloats as he walks away.
Video
Adam Cole talks about how special The Elite are and how much he trusts Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Cole also says Bryan Danielson can’t keep up with him.
Video
Bryan Danielson talks about Kenny Omega, saying he’s excited to take him on in his first AEW match.
Match 2
Rebel & Jamie Hayter & Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. (AEW Women’s Champ) vs Kris Statlander w/ Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, Wheeler Yuta & Riho & Ruby Soho
(referee: Paul Turner)
Result: Ruby Soho pins Rebel after a Riott Kick
Time: 5:58 (1 commercial break)
Match Thoughts
This was fun. Ruby Soho’s team pretty much dominated the entire match other than a short time involving Jamie Hayter getting an advantage over Kris Statlander. Baker’s team had trouble with their teamwork coming together, and resulted in a fast trios match that was low on drama but high on fun.
Backstage
Via split-screen, Mark Henry talks to the competitors in tonight’s main event: Max Caster and Brian Pillman Jr.
Match 3
“Platinum” Max Caster w/ Anthony Bowens vs Brian Pillman Jr.
(referee: Aubrey Edwards)
Result: Brian Pillman Jr. wins via pinfall after a springboard clothesline
Time: 6:39
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Caster getting a lot of offense (with help from Bowens) that kept Pillman grounded for much of the match. Pillman started to push back late in the match, hitting a some quick offense and a few diving moves. This was a solid match from both guys, and it was nice seeing them in the main event.
Ring Area
After the match, Anthony Bowens attacks Brian Pillman Jr. Max Caster joins in, but Pillman is saved from further harm when Jon Moxley runs to the ring and quickly takes out Bowens and Caster. Moxley and Pillman then celebrate in their hometown.
Show Impressions
This was a fun show. The biggest thing that happened was the falling-out between Andrade and Chavo. No other story line were really progressed, and that’s perfectly fine. It was nice having Brian Pillman Jr. main event in his hometown with his family in the crowd.
Match of the Night
Andrade El Idolo vs Pac
Despite the interference in the finish, I still enjoyed this match the most. Andrade and Pac will certainly have a more complete match sometime later on, but what we saw here tonight was great.