Tonight, Samoa Joe makes his first defense of the AEW World Title.  His opponent tonight, is the reigning FTW Champion, Hook.  Whose impressive 28-1 record makes him more than qualified to challenge for the top prize.

Also tonight...

TNT Championship Match
Christian Cage (C) vs. Dustin Rhodes

Ring of Honor World Six-Man Tag Team Title Match
Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony (C) vs. Bullet Club Gold

Deonna Purrazzo vs. Anna Jay (Timeless Toni Storm on commentary)

Top Flight vs. Private Party

Penta El Zero Miedo & Komander vs. Orange Cassidy & Trent Baretta

And we'll hear from Swerve Strickland, Hangman Adam Page, and The Young Bucks.

I'm looking forward to Anna Jay vs. Deonna Purrazzo, as well as the two tag matches.

Good opener.

Orange/Strong confirmed for Revolution.

Top Flight and Private Party put on quite a show.

Who did Hook lose to before Joe?

Assuming Hook loses to Joe since I've not watched the show.

Jan 18, 2024 14:07:58 GMT Emperor said:

Who did Hook lose to before Joe?

Assuming Hook loses to Joe since I've not watched the show.

Jack Perry.

Which set up that infamous match at Wembley.

I heard Hook kicked out of world champ Samoa Joe's Musclebuster finisher at a count of 1. Why do that to your world champ? Why should that finisher or Samoa Joe be feared at that point?

Jan 18, 2024 18:47:17 GMT Blindy said:

I heard Hook kicked out of world champ Samoa Joe's Musclebuster finisher at a count of 1. Why do that to your world champ? Why should that finisher or Samoa Joe be feared at that point?

Might have just been Hook's adrenaline that got him out early.

I can't believe I'm saying this but I kinda like the new gimmick Young Bucks got going.

I also like that Jay White is now a champion, even it is the relatively meaningless ROH six man tag championships.

Samoa Joe vs Hook was a glorified squash but it felt fresh and exciting. Haven't seen Joe brutalise someone like that in a long time. Not sure about Hook kicking out of the Muscle Buster and then being choked out. Joe shoulda just pinned the guy, even if it took two Muscle Busters.

Jan 18, 2024 18:47:17 GMT Blindy said:

I heard Hook kicked out of world champ Samoa Joe's Musclebuster finisher at a count of 1. Why do that to your world champ? Why should that finisher or Samoa Joe be feared at that point?

While I believe in protecting finishers, AEW has a different philosophy that appeals to their fanbase.

Your first question is back to front. It's not about Joe, it's about Hook. Hook was doing the favour here, so to give him something back, they gave him this big moment that's quickly become the biggest talking point of the match and in the moment it got the desired reaction from the crowd. It's also in line with Hook being a bad-ass and his father was renown for no-selling suplexes.

It's also important to understand Joe's role here. Joe maybe champion, but he's not the 'ace' of AEW. He's the veteran who on his day can stand toe to toe with anybody on the roster and still pull off the big win. Joe is not a feature attraction like Sting or Goldberg, so you don't need to give him those smoke and mirrors for him to remain over.

I'd also argue that Joe's finisher is the Coquina Clutch. That's the move he's really been favouring lately and they really emphasised how effective that move was on Wednesday.

I do take the point that the Muscle Buster ended Tyson Kidd's career, so to use it in this way feels reckless. However that was one instance and it'd be like arguing that nobody should ever kick out of the 619 after what happened to Perro Aguayo Jr. Freak accidents happen and Tyson was just an anamoly - just like Yoshi Tatsu and the Styles Clash.

It is a fair question, but the fans seem to be behind Joe and the ratings also favour him. I've always liked Joe and he's a legend, but after MJF kicked out of every possible move in New York I find it difficult to be invested in this run. This was clearly a Plan B and it just feels like we're in a holding pattern until Swerve/Hangman eventually feud over the title.

My question to you is would you rather Joe as champion, or Adam Cole?

Jan 18, 2024 0:39:50 GMT Lony said:

I'm looking forward to Anna Jay vs. Deonna Purrazzo, as well as the two tag matches.

That was a good match for the time that it got.