Welcome to another edition of Triple Threat from Smark Out Moment, where three of us get together to discuss three questions based on one big topic going down in the week of professional wrestling.
This week, Dallas Allsopp, Bodeen Green and Callum Wiggins preview AEW Revolution 2021.
AEW will once again bring their own brand of high octane wrestling to pay-per-view with the 2021 edition of Revolution. Headlined by the violent Exploding Barbed Wired Deathmatch, this show is surely one to catch live. How violent will this match be? Which match is a guaranteed sleeper hit? And just what do we think about Sting's in ring return?
Question 1: Which undercard match are you most looking forward to? Which match could be a sleeper hit?
ALLSOPP: Call me a sucker for Ladder matches, but I am really looking forward to the Face of the Revolution Ladder match. There is a lot of potential in this match, whilst the x-factor of Lance Archer is something I am really looking forward to. Penta El Zero Miedo can also use this match to set up the rest of his 2021, so for me as an AEW fan, this is the best option on the undercard. A sleeper hit could easily be Hikaru Shida defending her AEW Women’s Championship against Ryo Mizunami, as she is due another fantastic outing.
GREEN: The match between Hangman Adam Page and Big Money Matt Hardy looks extremely interesting in my eyes. Whilst the match does not sound as big as some other contests on the card such as MJF and Chris Jericho vs and The Inner Circle, the storyline heading into this match has been very interesting to watch. Given the right treatment and the right time, this match could be a huge sleeper hit as it can showcase the talent and charisma of both men. There is always a chance for a shock ending to the match, especially with the involvement from The Dark Order, and of course, the changing nature of Matt Hardy and his revolving door of gimmicks.
WIGGINS: I've really enjoyed the story that's been told with Hangman Adam Page and Matt Hardy, because it's a feud you'd expect to see on a retro viewing of Mid South Wrestling or something. From a pure in ring perspective, Hikaru Shida vs Ryo Mizunami has me very intrigued, especially following their friendly strike exchange in the go home show for Dynamite.
Plus, there's the flat out craziness that will likely occur during the Face of the Revolution Ladder match. But I think a real sleeper hit could be the Casino Tag Team Battle Royale. AEW has developed a history of good, story driven battle royals, and with all the talent involved in this one, it could be quite the spectacle.
Question 2: Are you looking forward to Sting’s first match in nearly 6 years? Is a Street Fight a suitable match option to disguise his issues, or could it contribute to another injury?
GREEN: There is no denying that the sight of Sting is amazing for the AEW brand. He has introduced the AEW product to new audiences, and he has helped the company make a bigger name for itself. That being said, due to his past injuries involving his neck combined with his age, it is slightly worrying seeing Sting being somewhat active inside the squared circle. If the Street Fight follows the same cinematic style of matches we have seen in 2020, it could easily protect The Icon from triggering his past injuries. However, if the Street Fight is a live contest and not pre-recorded, it can easily lead to a big injury for Sting.
WIGGINS: There is an undoubted air of risk surrounding Sting competing in any kind of match, especially at his age and with the injuries he has suffered in the past. But I believe the fact it is a Street Fight, which will probably have some kind of cinematic flavour, will benefit Sting's wellbeing and allow him to do as much as he can without exposing his flaws. Meanwhile, Darby Allin, Brian Cage and Ricky Starks can all kill each other around Sting to make up for any moments where Sting can't quite keep up, so I expect this match to still be a lot of fun.
ALLSOPP: Quite simply, I’m not. Whether or not he is able to sufficiently disguise his issues with the Street Fight stipulation, I just cannot watch this contest without fear that he will do further damage. Injuries happen, and despite many saying Seth Rollins was a safe worker, he inadvertently retired Sting, therefore I have no confidence that Brian Cage and Ricky Starks can adequately protect him. I’m happy to be wrong, but I feel great trepidation for this match.
Question 3: Do you think the brutality of Kenny Omega vs Jon Moxley will surpass that of their encounter at Full Gear 2020? Who is the favourite to come out on top?
WIGGINS: It's hard to hear the words "Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch" and not expect it to be one of the most brutal and violent matches you've ever witnessed. I believe Kenny Omega and Jon Moxley want this to be the most insane spectacle people have ever seen, and they both have the ability, durability and craziness to pull it off, just as long as all the special effects go off without a hitch. I think it's an absolute certainty that Omega retains so Moxley can depart from the AEW scene for a little while. But, the result for me is less important compared to the quality of this encounter. I'm hoping for the best, and hope both men leave in one piece.
ALLSOPP: The stipulation would dictate the sheer brutality of this contest, however, I’d like to think Jon Moxley will take less risks now he will be a father. But, everyone is aware how insane his style is, so I do not anticipate anything less than bloody warfare. It will top their match at Full Gear, with Kenny Omega tapping into his brutal side to secure victory. This is the only outcome that makes sense, especially as Moxley is rumoured to be spending some time in Japan soon.
GREEN: Without a full sell out pay-per-view crowd due to COVID restrictions, this match may struggle to have the feeling that the 2020 Full Gear Lights Out match did. That being said, just the sound of an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch sounds brutal, which will definitely attract new audiences to the show, and if both men are given absolute freedom, this match can be one to remember for the ages. Whilst Jon Moxley was amazing in 2020 by carrying the AEW World Championship during the COVID pandemic, I am going to go with the reinvented Kenny Omega for this match up. His involvement with the invasion storyline has been amazing to see, as he sparked a fire that was somewhat lost during the beginning of 2020. My only personal gripe about the build to this feud is that it was Omega who made the match. Personally, I would have preferred Moxley making this match as that would better suit the characters of both men.
Those are our thoughts on the issue, but where do you stand?
Let us know your answers to these questions in the comments below!
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