AEW Rampage (Dec. 8, 2023) emanated from Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The show featured Bryan Danielson showing why he is unbeatable in the Continental Classic, Orange Cassidy in an International Championship defense, and more.
Let’s jump right in with a recap followed by reactions.
Ian Riccaboni, Tony Schiavone, and Daddy Magic were on commentary. Justin Roberts handled ring announcer duties.
AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Angelico
This match was set up through actions on ROH TV. Angelico beat Christopher Daniels. Serpentico rubbed it in. Daniels attacked Serpentico. Angelico helped his pal. Orange Cassidy and Danhausen butt into this business to save Daniels. Cassidy punched Serpentico, so Angelico hit a cheap shot chop block on OC. Thus, this match for Rampage.
Angelico flexed his technical prowess. Cassidy was smooth with defensive wrestling. Angelico attacked the right knee. Cassidy grit through the pain for a one-legged Beach Break, but he was unable to make the cover.
The finish was full of funny business with distractions from Danhausen and Serpentico. Angelico hitched a grapevine leglock on Cassidy, while Serpentico stretched Danhausen on the outside. Cassidy put his hands in his pockets to roll toward the ropes for the break.
Serpentico tried to interfere again, so Danhausen punched him in the crotch. When Angelico pulled Cassidy back, OC went for a roll-up. Angelico kicked out, and Cassidy exploded with quickness for the superman punch to win.
Orange Cassidy defeated Angelico.
Abadon vs. Trish Adora
The zombie absorbed Adora’s offense and fired back with kicks. A knee to the head dropped Adora to set up for the Black Dahlia DDT.
Abadon defeated Trish Adora.
After the match, Julia Hart played mind games with Abadon. Lights out, Hart in the ring. The champ placed the TNT title on the mat to signify a challenge. Abadon snatched the precious gold. Lights out, Hart and the TNT Championship vanished.
Hype package for Mercedes Martinez versus Willow Nightingale on Collision.
Konosuke Takeshita & Will Hobbs vs. Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal
Don Callis sat in on commentary. The goal was to pound fresh meat to send a message to Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho. The veterans were scrappy, but the Callis Family handled business without breaking much of a sweat. Sydal surged on a hot tag until Hobbs crushed a clothesline. A spinebuster and a powerhouse front slam sealed the deal.
Konosuke Takeshita & Will Hobbs defeated Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal.
Top Flight and Action Andretti won’t accept disrespect from Pentagon, but they will accept the luchador’s trios challenge.
Continental Classic Blue League: Bryan Danielson vs. Daniel Garcia
Danielson found success with leg kicks. Garcia rushed in a fury for a barrage of strikes. This match was getting chippy with exchanges of hammering elbows to the jaw. Garcia turned up the heat for a brutal exploder suplex.
Danielson roared back with a triangle choke while landing vicious