Ever since AEW kicked off in earnest, it felt like My Shows--whether I ultimately ordered them or not--were Double or Nothing and Full Gear. Sure enough, Full Gear 2022's got one of their best line-ups:
Jon Moxley vs. MJF for the World Championship
In my heart, the big bear (Mox) pulls out a W. But I'm excited for what my mind can't fathom: an MJF title reign. Especially if the face turn sticks.
Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter for the Women’s World Championship
Perfect matchup with hard-hitting fan faves. It's a win-win fight: a coronation for the bruiser fans are nuts about, or a strong win to lock in Storm as a legit champ.
The Acclaimed vs. Swerve in Our Glory for the World Tag Team Championship
Bowens vs. Swerve was a 🔥 exhibition between a formidable face of the future and a rise-and-grind cat this week. Round 3: let's get it!
Death Triangle vs. The Elite for the World Trios Championship
I love the wounded, "does he still have it" story Kenny had before the Gripebomb. Can't go wrong with this team chemistry.
Wardlow vs. Samoa Joe vs. Powerhouse Hobbs for the TNT Championship
"Big Meaty Men Slapping Meat". There's no way to lose with this one 🤷🏿♂️.
Jade Cargill vs. Nyla Rose for the TBS Championship
Love Nyla getting under Jade's skin. Barring a total breakdown, this should be fun. Might even be a hoss fight!
Jungle Boy vs. Luchasaurus
This is a cage match?? Jungle Boy feels like he's bred for gimmick matches. I GOTTA see this.
Britt Baker vs. Saraya
I want to see how Saraya/Paige pulls a match together in 2022. Any shot in the arm for this division while they rebuild from absences and lackluster (or lack of) booking is welcome.
Darby Allin and Sting vs. Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett
I'll say it: I actually like Double J as a real-deal heel. As long as he's putting folks over!
That leaves the ROH 4-way (bored of the feud) as my fixed "take a break, stretch, and hydrate" spot.
Well, damn!
I ain't gonna rundown every match; I just have a some highlights:
Jungle Boy vs. Luchasaurus really surprised me! The amount of blood early on threw me for a loop, and so did the length! These boys went on first and really put on a riveting, personal struggle.
Max Caster came with a deluxe entrance rap this time, about 12 or 16 bars--and he killed it! Easily his strongest so far, with better wordplay than usual.
It felt a lil weird seeing the same heel Rebel/Britt interference in a match where the crowd was nuclear for Jamie Hayter. I thought the failed run-ins were building to an exclamation point about how Hayter didn't need cronies to win...and then came run-in #3. Nonetheless, this was a banger 1-on-1, and Toni looked SUPER fucking strong.
I was sports entertained like a mf by Sting/Darby vs. Jarrett/Lethal. The guitar shot mid-Coffin Drop, and Darby's immediate rise? Singh catching Darby and carrying him crucifix style? Sheeeeeeeiiiiiit.
Mad props to Mox for picking up on the crowd reaction super early and working heel against MJF. That man was having fun.