I think they will be used to push Yuta into the main event, while Mox and Bryan are also used to test people who also try to make claims they should be elevated. Like Yuta challenges for a match, someone else comes down and challenges for it as well, and Regal says they can have it, if they can beat Mox or Bryan tonight.

They will also really lean into this whole Gentleman Heel gimmick, which makes them a perfect foil. Since Bryan and Mox really are beyond any need to prove themselves, they do not need belts either making them perfect main event level heels.

Apr 9, 2022 18:06:26 GMT Big Pete said:

Expect this comment to age poorly, but I don't think this stable is going to last long, at least the current configuration. So I think they've really got to strike while the iron is hot and set them up for a PPV run for All Out.

I disagree. The formation of the group and the recruitment of Yuta has taken, what, three weeks? Four? That's a decent chunk of time. And there's many different directions to go. Recruiting new guys in a similar way. Wrestling as a trio or as a tag team (three possible combinations). Perhaps Danielson and Moxley feuding with other upper card guys. I don't see this running out of steam any time soon.

Regarding Yuta, they are clearly moving towards Yuta vs Trent which will be a great undercard match on their next big event. Also Yuta's chance to get his first substantial win which he really needs to move to the next level. Maybe they go with Yuta vs Orange Cassidy after Trent goes down.

Apr 9, 2022 18:06:26 GMT Big Pete said:

He's still green in a few areas and there were a few spots that were a little laughable - that table spot on the outside being the most egregious.

What was so bad about the table spot? Maybe a little convoluted but I've seen far worse. But to be honest when I'm really into a match I tend to be more forgiving of such spots, as opposed to a match where I'm just waiting to roll my eyes and type a snarky comment on PW.

On the topic of Rampage, they've really taken the steam off Hook. Now they're doing stupid segments where Hook is no-selling Danhausen's curse attempts. Thumbs down. Maybe Hook isn't ready to have a more competitive match yet? Doesn't seem reasonable, just speculating as to why they've taken off the gas pedal.

Apr 9, 2022 17:48:53 GMT Big Pete said:

So what direction does the Blackpool Combat Club take? Emp, I think you're onto something with Garcia but that will have to wait until Eddie is through with the Appreciation Society. Due to the Wheeler Yuta connection, the Best Friends makes the most sense but that feels more like a Dynamite match than a PPV encounter. Expect this comment to age poorly, but I don't think this stable is going to last long, at least the current configuration. So I think they've really got to strike while the iron is hot and set them up for a PPV run for All Out. I think that requires a bigger match at Double Or Nothing, but what? I don't think an AEW Tag Team Championship run is the play and there's a few other teams that could be an option but there needs to be an angle.

I thought it was a really good performance from Yuta who sold and fired up fantastically. He's still green in a few areas and there were a few spots that were a little laughable - that table spot on the outside being the most egregious. I also think with the benefit of hindsight that the elevated paradigm shift kick-out was one step too far. I think you could have saved that kick-out for the return match where Yuta wins - the crowd seemed pretty deflated when he was just beaten seconds later but it was the right idea. I think if you have Yuta reverse it only for Mox to hit a rear naked choke then it would have been better but that's obviously with hindsight.

In Danielson’s original promo to recruit Moxley, he listed a handful of names that he wants to take under his wing. Yuta was one, I believe Garcia was one, and I can’t remember who else he said. Basically Danielson’s vision is to take a handful of young talent and show them first hand what it takes to get to that next level. Winning and losing doesn’t seem to matter, as shown by Yuta going 0-3 against Moxley and also losing to Danielson.

I could see them just continuing to have singles matches until they decide to go after their next target and grow the group. They’ll have a blow off trios match and beat Trent, Chuck Taylor and OC, then move on.

I think Danielson and Moxley win the tag titles eventually but that might not happen for a while. Jurassic Express/ReDragon/Young Bucks/FTR are all tied to those right now and throwing BCC in the mix would be a mistake at this point I think. If it were up to me I’d just keep letting BCC put on bangers and give them each a good opponent/dream match at All Out.

I’m curious if Moxley’s contract situation comes into play. He hasn’t signed an extension yet and they might be keeping him in this group until he decides what to do. I don’t think there’s any chance he leaves AEW this year but maybe he wants to let his contract expire and take time off to raise his new kid?

Apr 9, 2022 18:45:24 GMT Emperor said:

What was so bad about the table spot?

Moxley is such a clutz he somehow crashes out of the ring and perches himself perfectly on the table and then looks up at Yuta who takes the opportunity to splash him from the outside.

Not only was it phony as anything but the table spot is beyond a parody at this point in AEW.

I disagree. The formation of the group and the recruitment of Yuta has taken, what, three weeks? Four? That's a decent chunk of time. And there's many different directions to go. Recruiting new guys in a similar way. Wrestling as a trio or as a tag team (three possible combinations). Perhaps Danielson and Moxley feuding with other upper card guys. I don't see this running out of steam any time soon.

I'd honestly be surprised if Moxley-Danielson is still a thing in a year's time, unless they really run out of steam and coast along. Which is why I think it's important they have a good lay out for that time period.

If Mox wants to leave he has an opt out clause that allows him to leave at anytime without penalty. If he wanted to be back in WWE, he could have left anytime after his first year in AEW.

He knows what is on the line if he leaves.  He does a few matches as SHIELD, then jobs to Rollins and Reigns and goes back to midcard without direction.  

First battle of the belts match announced, Rose vs Rosa.

Apr 9, 2022 20:34:43 GMT c said:

First battle of the belts match announced, Rose vs Rosa.

Unless you win the belt in a match with her, she will be you first opponent.

Tony Khan should absolutely sign Willow. She's an amazing wrestler and you could easily make her the focus of the division.

Apr 9, 2022 23:24:28 GMT X-zero said:

Apr 9, 2022 20:34:43 GMT c said:

First battle of the belts match announced, Rose vs Rosa.

Unless you win the belt in a match with her, she will be you first opponent.

They are friends out of the ring, which is why the match was likely made.  Rosa will give her a great defense.

Wheeler Yuta with the color-coordinated gear to match with his new BCC teammates

That's how you know it's for real

Tonight's Rampage Card

AEW World Championship
Texas Death Match
Adam Page(c) vs. Adam Cole

Trios Match
Blackpool Combat Club vs. The Gunn Club

Owen Hart Foundation Women's Qualifier Match
Robyn Renegade vs. Ruby Soho

I'm looking forward to more Page/Cole, I enjoyed they're match at Revolution.

Wheeler, for better or worse, is really getting the rocket strapped to his back, isn't he?

Not anyone gets to be put in a faction mentored by William Regal and teaming with Danielson/Moxley as equals, and deemed worthy of ending the Gunns' undefeated streak (j/k with that last one but also not really, as commentary made a mention or two out of it).

wtf is up with people bringing front row political signs to aew lately

Wheeler Yuta is the man. Fun opener.

I’m stoked for Dustin Rhodes vs CM Punk. That’ll be a good match.

BELLA INFRINGMENT

THERE MUST BE CONSEQUENCES

i guess we know who the next big women's division signing will be?

Lame.

The wannabe Bellas couldn't even pull off Twin Magic.

Next week's Rampage looks good, totally on board with Garcia/Kingston.

AEW bringing in the former Vanessa Borne, that's nice I guess.

Apr 15, 2022 23:31:20 GMT Lony said:

Lame.

The wannabe Bellas couldn't even pull off Twin Magic.

Pretty much

LOL even with a secret, unknown 2-on-1 advantage they still couldn't even come close to beating Ruby Soho

Oh hey a Texas Death Match actually taking place in Texas.

...oh, after the way that past match went I assumed Page was looking under the ring for reDRagon or something

Aw man that chair moonsault spot was supposed to be a superkick and they fucked up the timing

Apr 15, 2022 23:44:46 GMT RT said:

Aw man that chair moonsault spot was supposed to be a superkick and they fucked up the timing

Yeah, I kinda wondered why Cole started to go for a superkick and then stopped

geez if Page weren't wearing jeans there the barbed wire crown probably would have shredded his own buttocks there

COWBOY SHIT

Hangman Page continues to be THE man.

Sad that Hangman Page and Adam Cole sort of mocked Easter weekend by doing a barb wire crown during their fight. Thought better of both, especially Adam Page who is very strong about ethics & diversity as a teacher. I am far from religious, just thought AEW was very diverse and pro accepting of all yet they do that. Saw some say this wasn't intentional so maybe there's that. 

Nah, that was based.

Wasn't intentional?

It's was barb wire crown of thornes, that just happened to be there.. during Easter weekend, it was intentional.

Good on them for doing something (kinda, not really) edgy.

But, I'm sure to keep their names in the news cycle, christian boys The Bucks will release a statement.

That is a standard barbwire spot. Man people really stretching for things to trash AEW for.