For months, AEW has been building towards its grandest stage of the calendar year: “All In: Texas.”
More than 25,000 fans descended on Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas—home of the Texas Rangers—making this the largest American audience in AEW history.
This was a massive summer blockbuster event, just shy of six hours long. And, that’s excluding the “Zero Hour” pre-show, which featured three matches of its own. Maybe everything is bigger in Texas.
Still, this was the culmination of months of programming—from the beginning of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournaments in early April.
For all intents and purposes, this is All Elite Wrestling’s version of “WrestleMania.” Several wrestlers made their triumphant returns, some wrestlers made their debut, and a multitude of titles were defended. Did this year’s “All In” live up to its spectacle, though?
Let’s dive in.
The Opps [c] vs. The Death Riders
The show opened with The Opps defending their AEW World Trios Championships against a configuration of The Death Riders, consisting of Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta & Gabe Kidd.
Of all the matches, this was easily the most expendable offering. Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata & Powerhouse Hobbs once again proved their superiority over The Death Riders. However, the result seemed inevitable; considering this is The Death Riders’ weakest iteration to date.
The highlight of this match was Hobbs reversing The Death Riders’ Doomsday Device into a powerslam, à la Scott Steiner.
After the proceedings, Castagnoli used a steel chair to ostensibly break Samoa Joe’s neck. Not only will Samoa Joe be absent for the foreseeable future, but he was unable to interfere in the main event. So, while The Death Riders lost the battle, they gained a strategic advantage.
Rating: **¾
Men’s Casino Gauntlet Match
The Casino Gauntlet Match blends the best elements of the “Royal Rumble” with AEW’s unique in-ring product. It’s unpredictable in all the right ways, producing the adrenaline rush that pro-wrestling fans crave.
This year’s Men’s Casino Gauntlet Match was the best incarnation yet, featuring a gauntlet of strong in-ring performers.
Mark Briscoe and Maxwell Jacob Friedman began the affair, with the latter serving as the focal point. Briscoe, Mistico, Brody King, and Roderick Strong all wanted their pound of flesh from MJF, which forced him to adopt a calculated approach.
Juice Robinson made his long-awaited return during the match, clean-shaven and sporting new ring attire. Other entrants included Ricochet, Bandido, Konosuke Takeshita, Josh Alexander, Anthony Bowens, Kota Ibushi, The Beast Mortos & Max Caster.
In the end, Briscoe leveled Strong with the Jay Driller, but MJF quickly entered the ring and stole Briscoe’s cover—pinning Strong.
With that, MJF has secured the coveted Casino Gauntlet contract, guaranteeing him a title shot that can be approved at a moment’s notice.
Rating: ****
Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Dustin Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara
Hours before the show, AEW formally announced that Adam Cole was not medically cleared to compete at “All In: Texas,” and would be forced to vacate the TNT Championship. In lieu of his match with Kyle Fletcher, a fatal-fourway was announced; consisting of Fletcher, Daniel Garcia, Dustin Rhodes, & Sammy Guevara.
Adam Cole addressed the audience to apologize for his absence. While Cole didn’t disclose the nature of his condition, it was a somber moment—with the former champion admitting that his career may be in jeopardy.
The specter of Cole’s heart-breaking announcement loomed over this affair, establishing a discernible tone that the match itself failed to replicate. That was, until the ending.
Interestingly enough, Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara wrestled earlier in the afternoon against Shane Taylor Promotions, during the “Zero Hour” pre-show. And, they wrestled less than 24 hours before that, at “Supercard of Honor” on Friday night.
Fletcher seemed like the prohibited favorite to win this match, but nothing can be guaranteed in professional wrestling. That has never been more evident, than in the finale of this match—when Rhodes pinned Daniel Garcia with an inside cradle.
The crowd erupted and the “Natural” was joined in the ring by his nephews, Wyatt and Wayne Rhodes, as well as Marshall and Ross Von Erich, to celebrate the momentous occasion. Finally, Rhodes has captured championship gold in AEW, and his first major singles title since 1999.
Rating: ***½
Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland vs. The Young Bucks
The fourth match saw Will Ospreay & Swerve Strickland join forces to face The Young Bucks. If the latter won, Ospreay and Strickland would be barred from challenging the AEW World Champion for one year. If Ospreay & Strickland won, The Young Bucks would lose their titles as Executive Vice Presidents, and all of the executive power that it entails.
Those dueling stipulations were at the fulcrum of this match, creating a palpable sense of desperation. The other throughline was The Young Bucks overwhelming experience and chemistry. Matt and Nick Jackson met Ospreay and Strickland at every pass, preventing them from gaining any ground.
In the end, it was Ospreay and Strickland’s tenacity and sheer brilliance that won the day—allowing them to endure the Bucks’ onslaught long enough to gain the upperhand.
While this was a superb tag team match, The Young Bucks’ irreverence for the rules of tag team wrestling made this frustrating to watch. Had this been a Texas Tornado Tag Team match, it would have alleviated some of those concerns.
Those are the margins between great contests and true match of the year candidates.
Rating: ****¼
Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match
Like the Men’s installment, the Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match was a rollercoaster ride of a pro-wrestling match—riding the rush of adrenaline that comes with each unique entrance. The match began with Kris Statlander and Megan Bayne, but quickly devolved into all-out chaos.
Alex Windsor returned to AEW for the first time since signing with the company, while Syuri made her debut. Other entrants included Willow Nightingale, Tay Melo, Thekla, Julia Hart, Queen Aminata, Athena, Mina Shirakawa, and Thunder Rosa.
Some of the highlights of this match included Thekla’s brief exchange with Queen Aminata and the return of Harley Cameron.
In the end, it was Athena who stood victorious and earned the Casino Gauntlet contract. The “Fallen Goddess” has held the ROH Women’s World Championship for the past 946 days and counting. After more than two-and-a-half years, she’ll return to AEW with a guaranteed shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Rating: ***¾
The Hurt Syndicate [c] vs. JetSpeed vs. The Patriarchy
The Hurt Syndicate are one of the most polarizing forces in AEW. Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin are smashing machines, who can physically impose their will on any opponent. Their air of inviolability has been reinforced by their unwillingness to sell, which has never been more evident than in this match.
Last Wednesday, JetSpeed and The Patriarchy ran roughshod over Lashley and Benjamin—seemingly injuring the duo. However, the injuries they sustained played no role in this match. In fact, the tag team champions seemed unscathed.
All of these issues have been exacerbated by The Hurt Syndicate’s inability to generate heat. The fans still chant “we hurt people” and cheer when they crush their opponents under their might. At present, The Hurt Syndicate have the same allure as the Road Warriors. And, that’s been to the detriment of their consummate babyface opponents, “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight, who became martyrs in this feud.
The odd men out in this contest were The Patriarchy. Several weeks ago, Christian Cage announced that wanted to become the first “father-and-son” tag team champions, with Nick Wayne. The operant phrase being “several weeks ago.” The duo’s first tag team match of the year was on June 25, where they defeated Big Bill & Bryan Keith. Evidently, that lone win was enough to secure them an opportunity in this match, as the third team.
In the end, The Hurt Syndicate were too big, too strong, and too dynamic to be conquered. Once again, Lashley & Benjamin have prevailed.
FTR were on commentary for this match, having beaten The Outrunners earlier in the afternoon on the “Zero Hour” pre-show. Ostensibly, FTR’s pair of wins over The Outrunners have thrusted them into title contention.
After the match, Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler had a brief face-to-face confrontation with The Hurt Syndicate. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to Christian Cage and Nick Wayne—when the latter betrayed his mentor. Wayne was joined by his Mother and Kip Sabian, who’ve conspired to punish for Christian for all of his misdeeds. FTR tried to join in on the fun, but were interrupted by the return of the “Rated R Superstar,” Adam Copeland.
While the prelude to “Metalingus” halted the proceedings, Copeland certainly wasn’t in a hurry to rescue his friend. Instead, he basked in the moment—performing his standard walkout rituals. Thankfully, the heels didn’t proceed to cripple Christian Cage with a conchairto, while Copeland was admiring the atmosphere.
After Copeland cleared the ring, he urged Christian to “go find [himself].”
Obviously, the endgame here is a reunion between Copeland & Christian—just in time for “All Out,” in Toronto.
Rating: **¾
“Timeless” Toni Storm [c] vs. Mercedes Moné
Few professional wrestlers shine under the bright lights, quite like “Timeless” Toni Storm. She’s the ace, after all. However, this was her greatest challenge yet.
Mercedes Moné is more than a belt-collector. The “CEO” hasn’t been pinned since her arrival in AEW. With wins over Willow Nightingale, Britt Baker, Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter—Moné has conquered nearly all of AEW’s monoliths. Defeating Toni Storm would be her greatest triumph. Not only in name, but in title: adding the AEW Women’s World Championship to her collection.
Moné was introduced by the Texas Rangers’ cheerleaders, several of whom had Moné’s titles around their waist.
Storm and Moné are both at the peak of their powers and this match accentuated the breadth of their abilities.
The ethos of Moné’s persona is her resilience and experience. She’s an opportunist, who will endure long enough to find a weakness that’s worth exploiting. Storm was relentless, though, conjuring enough firepower to emphatically conquer the “CEO.”
This was a triumph for both women and particularly Moné’s best performance since arriving in All Elite Wrestling.
Rating: ****½
Kenny Omega [c] vs. Kazuchika Okada [c]
This was the fifth installment in Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada’s historic singles rivalry. This time, in an AEW ring, with both the AEW International and Continental Championships on the line; in a winner-takes-all scenario, where the victor earned the newly-minted AEW Unified Championship.
This was billed as the most highly anticipated match in AEW history, with their rivalry being likened to the Lakers and Celtics or Red Sox and Yankees. Don Callis acquiring the services of Okada has only amplified their animosity, putting Omega back in the faction’s crosshairs.
The fulcrum of this match was Omega’s previous battle with diverticulitis and the long-term damage it did to his intestines. Several weeks ago, Okada delivered a myriad of diving elbow drops to Omega’s abdomen, forcing him to vomit blood. During the match, Okada’s strategy focused on targeting Omega’s abdomen to reaggravate his injuries.
His strategy proved to be successful, robbing Omega of his faculties—with a little assistance from Callis and his allies, of course.
This was a masterful performance from both men, devoid of a grand finale or the pageantry that defined their rivalry in New Japan. More importantly, with Okada’s victory, their personal record is now tied at 2-2-1.
Review: ****½
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: Jon Moxley [c] vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
The main event saw Jon Moxley defend his AEW World Championship against “Hangman” Adam Page in a Texas Deathmatch.
This was the culmination of The Death Riders’ reign of terror, which began nearly nine months ago at “WrestleDream.” For 273 days, Moxley has been the AEW World Champion in name only, hiding the title belt from the world in a briefcase.
For Page, victory was paramount. The saga of the “Hangman” has been a long and winding road and while it was marred by tragedy, it’s led him to this moment.
This was a main event befitting an event of this magnitude, weaving all of the essential player’s back into the fold. The Death Riders, The Young Bucks, and Will Ospreay all made their presence felt. However, it was the shocking return of Darby Allin and Bryan Danielson that helped this match reach its fever pitch. And, finally, the unlikeliest of allies in Swerve Strickland, who helped steer this match towards its epic conclusion.
This was utter perfection, worthy of the elusive five-star seal of approval.
Rating: *****
Final Verdict
More than 25,000 fans descended on Globe Life Field, to bear witness to history. Contrast is everything and compared to AEW’s normal offerings, this felt massive in scope. And, it was through that lens, that some of AEW’s greatest matches unfolded. Scores were settled, titles were defended, and championships changed hands. More importantly though, a new king was crowned. Long live Virginia’s favorite son, “Hangman” Adam Page.
Rating: ****¾
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