AEW Rampage Preview (10/28/22): Daddy Magic Needs Some Magic
AEW Rampage is looking like it may be another disappointing show. Thus far, there are only three matches announced, which isn’t a bad thing. I think AEW usually overbooks Rampage, so having fewer matches and letting them go on longer is better if you ask me. But it is likely Tony Khan is going to add a match a couple of hours prior to the show.
Rampage has been not on the same level as Dynamite. You can probably make the argument that NXT is currently a better show, which says a lot. Nevertheless, I’m here to give you a preview of the show and give you a preview I shall.
Tay Melo vs. Madison Rayne
There hasn’t been any build to this match whatsoever. Which is a major complaint from fans is that there are too many one-off matches. One-off matches aren’t always a bad thing, but when it feels like a filler match, there is no interest. You need an interest in order for people to tune in to watch. So, it begs the question, why should we tune in to watch this match? Neither of these women are in any storylines currently, so there is no intrigue from the fans. Nevertheless, I still think this can be a solid match. Tay Melo is pretty decent in the ring and so is Madison Rayne. This can be a decent match but is one that probably doesn’t need to happen on AEW Rampage.
TNT Championship Match
Matt Tavern vs. Wardlow (c)
Matt Tavern, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis made their AEW debuts last week. Now, Tavern has an opportunity to capture the TNT Championship in his first match in AEW. TNT Champion, Wardlow, has been on an absolute tear since winning the title. He has any and all competitors who dare to step up. Recently, he has found an ally in ROH Television Champion, Samoa Joe. Wardlow is looking to add another victim to his list, but Tavern is a wild card. Since he hasn’t competed in AEW before, Tavern has the element of surprise on his side. Plus, with the other members of the Kingdom at ringside, Wardlow will have his work cut out for him. Also, it’s safe to assume that Bennett is going to get involved, thus leading to Wardlow and Samoa Joe taking on the pairing of Bennett and Tavern.
Matt Menard vs. Jon Moxley (c)
Originally, this match was supposed to be Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta taking on Matt Menard and Angelo Parker, but it got scrapped. So now, Menard gets an opportunity to earn himself a shot at the AEW World Championship. If Menard wins, he gets a future shot at the AEW World Championship. These types of opportunities don’t come around often, especially for someone who is mainly a tag team wrestler. After Jon Moxley defended his title last week, he is back on AEW Rampage for another match. With AEW Full Gear in a couple of weeks, Moxley needs to stay focused on “Daddy Magic” Menard. A loss for Moxley will be a devastating blow to his momentum and he might not walk into Full Gear at all. Plus, with the drama that’s going on with the Blackpool Combat Club, he will have a lot on his mind. But he can’t underestimate Menard, who has proven he will do anything and everything to get a win.
