MVP’s In-Ring Return: The hype around MVP’s return was underwhelming. The promo built it up as a major comeback after two years, but a quick dive into his recent match history showed he’d only been out for two months. The match itself lacked the excitement fans expected from such a seasoned performer. MVP didn’t even get involved in the finish, which made the whole thing feel less significant. The narrative was heavily padded, and the end result just didn’t justify all the build-up.
Jeff Jarrett vs. MJF Promo: This segment overstayed its welcome and never quite hit the mark. MJF’s attempts to keep the crowd engaged were overshadowed by Jeff Jarrett’s awkward attempts at firing back. The “yo mama” jokes and unconvincing insults made it feel like a mismatch from the start. The tension was also undercut by the crowd’s chants for MJF, which left Jarrett floundering. When MJF made a tasteless remark about Owen Hart, it felt like a desperate attempt to generate heat, but it only left an uncomfortable aftertaste. The whole thing was drawn out and awkward, and it failed to generate genuine interest in a feud that’s not compelling enough to warrant more attention.
Stale Feud Between MJF and Jarrett: The build-up to the MJF vs. Jarrett feud feels forced and drawn-out. While the idea of MJF having a feud with a veteran like Jarrett sounds intriguing, their chemistry just isn’t there. This week’s promo battle felt like a drag, with the insults feeling flat and the crowd more invested in MJF’s snarky one-liners than the actual story. The inclusion of low blows like the Owen Hart comment did nothing to make it more interesting, and left fans more disengaged than engaged.
3 Things We Loved:
Kenny Omega’s Return: Omega’s return felt like the big moment AEW fans have been waiting for. He looked in phenomenal shape and seamlessly integrated his classic moves with a new dimension of selling, especially with his midsection targeted by Brian Cage. The match with Cage was never about having a five-star match, but about getting Omega back into the swing of things and setting up future potential. The match did that effectively while also building excitement for more Omega matches ahead, particularly against Ospreay and Takeshita. Cage made Omega look great, and that’s what mattered most.
Brian Cage as a Strong Competitor: Cage looked incredibly strong in his match with Omega. He wasn’t just a background player; he was a credible threat throughout the contest. From the superplex to the powerbomb on the ramp, Cage showcased his abilities and made the match feel like a true challenge for Omega. While Omega’s return was the focal point, Cage’s role in making him look strong and having a solid, competitive match made this a great showcase for both men.
The Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match: AEW’s Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match was a refreshing highlight of the evening, bringing in some fresh talent. Megan Bayne’s debut was particularly exciting, adding a new face to the AEW women’s division. The match was a great vehicle to showcase the depth of the women’s roster, with each participant having a chance to shine. It may not have been perfect, but it gave a much-needed spotlight to the women’s division, and the crowd was engaged, especially with Bayne’s arrival.
