AEW Rampage
Episode 9
#AEWRampage
Original Air Date: October 8, 2021
Event Date: October 6, 2021
(aired on TNT)
City: Philadelphia, PA
Venue: Liacouras Center
Commentary: Excalibur, Taz, Chris Jericho
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Intro Video
Backstage
Via split screen, Mark Henry gets some words from Daniel Garcia and CM Punk.
Match 1
CM Punk vs Daniel Garcia w/ 2point0
(referee: Bryce Remsburg)
Result: CM Punk wins via submission with the Anaconda Vice
Time: 14:13
Match Thoughts
Great match. Daniel Garcia started working on Punk’s right leg early in the match, and Garcia was able to keep attacking the leg the entire time. Punk was slowed down considerably, and it took a while for him to start fighting back. Garcia maybe got a little too confident, and the interference attempts from 2point0 started to backfire late in the match as Punk built a comeback that led to a very well-done finish. This was a great match for Garcia, and another entertaining performance from Punk.
Backstage
Tony Schiavone is with Dante Martin, Matt Sydal, and Lio Rush. Sydal isn’t too happy with Lio’s attempt help Dante Martin, calling Lio a “junk bonds salesman.” Lio says what he is “selling” is real, and maybe Sydal needs to prove his own worth right now. Sydal can prove his worth in a match against CM Punk next week on Rampage.
Match 2
AEW Tag Team Title Match
The Acclaimed vs Lucha Brothers (AEW & AAA Tag Champs) w/ Alex Abrahantes
(referee: Aubrey Edwards)
Result: Penta El Zero Miedo pins Anthony Bowens after an assisted doube underhook piledriver, the Lucha Brothers retain the titles in their second defense
Time: 5:19
Match Thoughts
Good match. There seemed to be some moments of hesitation from The Acclaimed, but they did well in this match which was really a showcase of the Lucha Bros. as tag champs. The final moments of the match had the Luchas Brothers absolutely destroying Max Caster and Anthony Bowens.
Video
Clips of Adam Page returning to AEW in the Casino Ladder Match on Dynamite.
Video
Clips of the reveal of the TBS Title belt and reactions from women in the tournament to crown the first champ.
Match 3
Jade Cargill w/ Mark Sterling vs Skye Blue
(referee: Rick Knox)
Result: Jade Cargill wins via pinfall after Jaded
Time: 1:10
Match Thoughts
This was fine. It was another exhibition of Jade Cargill’s power, and it was a way to begin promotion for the TBS Title tournament.
Ring Area
After the match, Jade Cargill attacks Skye Blue. After a few seconds, Thunder Rosa runs to the ring with a chair in her hands. Jade Cargill and Mark Sterling walk away as Rosa enters the ring.
Backstage
Via split screen, Mark Henry gets some words from Ricky Starks and Brian Cage.
Match 4
Philly Street Fight for the FTW Championship
“The Machine” Brian Cage vs “Absolute” Ricky Starks (FTW Champ)
(referee: Paul Turner)
Result: Ricky Starks wins via pinfall after the Roshambo and retains the title in his first defense
Time: 10:41
Match Thoughts
Good match. Cage got some offense early, but Starks dominated the middle portion of the match. The pace slowed down as Starks took over, and tht allowed Cage to make a push late in the fight. Cage’s rise brought out Powerhouse Hobbs and Hook who got directly involved in the match. Cage did well three on one, but the repeated interference became too much for him.
Show Impressions
This was a good show. I would have like to see the main event go longer and maybe cut a few minutes out of the opening match, but overall I still enjoyed everything tonight.
Match of the Night
CM Punk vs Daniel Garcia
Had the main event been given more time and importance, it might have been the bout of the night. As it is, Punk and Garcia’s technical battle was the better match.