AEW Wrestledream 2023 Review, Analysis, Rating And Impression

The world of professional wrestling is often a world of spectacle, storytelling, and heart-pounding action. On a special night, AEW Wrestledream 2023 delivered all of that and more as it paid tribute to the legendary Japanese wrestler, Antonio Inoki, who passed away exactly one year ago. 

This tribute event brought together a diverse roster of talent, blending the best of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) with stars from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring of Honor (ROH). The result? A night that celebrated the past, present, and future of professional wrestling.

Opening Segment: Tribute to Antonio Inoki

The show kicked off with a heartwarming tribute to Antonio Inoki, a man who left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. A video package showcased the profound impact Inoki had on the world of wrestling, and it was touching to hear wrestlers from different promotions share their thoughts on his legacy. The presence of Inoki’s grandsons, Hiroto and Naroto Inoki, added a personal touch to the tribute. As Tony Khan, the man behind AEW, took the stage alongside other individuals wearing Inoki scarves, the crowd knew they were in for something special. The phrase “Inoki-ism” set the tone for a night of wrestling excellence.

Zero Hour: A Prelude to Excellence

Zero Hour, the pre-show to the main event featured a series of matches that set the stage for what was to come. While these matches were shorter and had less storyline significance, they still showcased the incredible talent on the AEW roster.

Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty, Diamante, and Mercedes Martinez vs. Keith Lee, Satoshi Kojima, Athena, and Billie Starkz opened the event with an energetic eight-person tag match. The crowd’s chants for “BREAD!” during Satoshi Kojima’s entrance, a nod to his affiliation with the “Bread Club,” added a fun element to the match. Despite the time constraints, the match featured some exciting moments, with Kojima securing the win for his team with a thunderous lariat.

Next up was Josh Barnett vs. Claudio Castagnoli, a contest that showcased a unique blend of grappling and submission wrestling. Barnett, known for his mixed martial arts background, held his own against the wrestling virtuoso Castagnoli, who secured the victory with an Octopus Hold. This match was a testament to the versatility of professional wrestling as an art form.

Nick Wayne vs. Luchasaurus followed, with the smaller Wayne attempting to defy the odds against the towering Luchasaurus. Wayne’s resilience and agility were on display, but ultimately, he fell victim to Luchasaurus’s power, succumbing to a brutal forearm strike. This match told the classic story of an underdog battling valiantly but coming up short against a larger opponent.

The pre-show concluded with a Trios Titles match pitting TMDK (Shane Haste, Mikey Nichols, and Bad Dude Tito) against the Acclaimed (Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) and the legendary Billy Gunn. The Acclaimed retained their titles in a chaotic match that showcased the high-flying and hard-hitting action fans have come to expect from AEW.

Main Show Begins: The Quest for Excellence

With the pre-show behind us, the main show began in earnest, featuring several high-stakes matches that would define the night.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) vs. Righteous opened the main card, with MJF defending his Ring of Honor Tag Team Title on his own against the menacing Righteous faction. MJF’s character work was on full display as he played mind games with his opponents before securing the win with his Heatseeker finisher. This match served as a showcase for MJF’s cunning and charisma.

In a match that bridged the gap between AEW and NJPW, Katsuyori Shibata challenged Eddie Kingston for both the Ring of Honor World Title and the New Japan Strong Openweight Title. This hard-hitting encounter featured a barrage of strikes and submissions, with Kingston ultimately retaining his titles with a powerbomb. The match highlighted Kingston’s toughness and resilience while adding depth to his character.

The TBS Title was on the line as Kris Statlander defended her championship against Julia Hart. The two competitors delivered a competitive match that showcased their in-ring abilities. Statlander emerged victorious, solidifying her position as a top contender in AEW’s women’s division.

A thrilling Four Way Tag Match determined the #1 contenders for the AEW Tag Team Titles. The Gunns, Hook and Orange Cassidy, the Lucha Bros, and the Young Bucks delivered a high-flying, chaotic contest that had fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, the Young Bucks secured the win and a title shot with their BTE Trigger finisher.

Hangman Page faced Swerve Strickland in a hard-hitting battle that told the story of Page’s quest for stardom and Strickland’s desire to prove himself. Swerve secured the win with his JML Driver finisher, marking a significant victory for him and furthering Page’s journey to the top of AEW.

In a singles bout, Ricky Starks faced Wheeler Yuta, with Starks looking to regain momentum after a recent loss. Yuta secured the win with a roll-up, showcasing his potential as an emerging star in AEW. This match provided a platform for Yuta to shine.

The Trios Titles were up for grabs as the Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, and Santana) took on House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King, accompanied by Danhausen). This match delivered high drama, intense action, and several memorable moments, culminating in the Inner Circle capturing the Trios Titles. The emotional rollercoaster and the star power involved in this match made it a highlight of the night.

A Historic Main Event: Excellence Achieved

The main event of AEW Wrestledream 2023 saw the AEW World Title defended as Darby Allin faced off against the New Japan sensation, Will Ospreay. This nearly 30-minute epic was an instant classic. Both competitors pushed each other to the limit, delivering a match that featured storytelling, athleticism, and in-ring psychology of the highest caliber. In the end, Will Ospreay emerged victorious, becoming the new AEW World Champion after hitting the Hidden Blade and Stormbreaker. This historic moment marked the pinnacle of the night and set the stage for a new era in AEW.

Overall Rating and Final Thoughts: A Night of Excellence

AEW Wrestledream 2023 delivered on its promise of excellence. The tribute to Antonio Inoki at the beginning of the show set a respectful and emotional tone, reminding fans of the rich history of professional wrestling. The night showcased a diverse range of wrestling styles, from technical mat wrestling to high-flying tag team action.

The standout match of the night was undoubtedly the main event between Darby Allin and Will Ospreay. Their performance was a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism, resulting in a match that will be remembered for years to come. The emotional investment in this bout, coupled with the title change, made it a fitting main event for the tribute show.

The Trios Title match between the Inner Circle and House of Black was another highlight, offering thrilling moments, an engaging storyline, and a title change that left fans buzzing.

In summary, AEW Wrestledream 2023 earns a well-deserved A- rating. It paid homage to Antonio Inoki’s legacy, provided a platform for emerging talent, and featured several unforgettable matches. This event is a must-watch for wrestling enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring magic of professional wrestling. It celebrated excellence in all its forms, embodying the spirit of Inoki-ism throughout the night.