AEW Full Gear Result And Report: All Winners, Losers, Ratings, Key Points And More
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) delivered its penultimate pay-per-view of 2023 with Full Gear, a night filled with thrilling matchups, surprising twists, and some creative highs and lows. The much-anticipated main event featured AEW World Champion MJF defending his title against “Switchblade” Jay White. However, a twist in the tale unfolded as MJF faced injury, leading his best friend Adam Cole to step up. In a chaotic turn of events, MJF returned to defend his title. The match, while intense, faced criticism for its creative choices. White’s inability to overcome a one-legged champion left a puzzling mark. Despite the crowd’s enthusiasm, the overbooked nature of the match raised questions about logical storytelling. The AEW International Championship clash between Orange Cassidy and Jon Moxley was a standout moment. Cassidy’s definitive win showcased his prowess, solidifying his place in AEW history. The storytelling, bloodshed, and energy of this match earned it a well-deserved “A” grade. In the Texas Death Match between “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland, the violence and intensity reached new heights. While the early moments bordered on tastelessness, Strickland’s victory marked a significant moment for his career. The match, despite its flaws, earned a commendable “A-” grade. The Tag Team Championship Ladder Match brought together FTR, La Facción Ingobernable, Kings of the Black Throne, and the defending champions, Starks and Big Bill. The high-flying chaos delivered an entertaining spectacle, with Starks and Big Bill retaining their titles in a solid “B” grade match. MJF and Samoa Joe defended the Ring of Honour World Tag Team Championship against the Gunns. Despite MJF’s reluctance to tag Joe, a surprise appearance by Adam Cole secured their victory. The post-match beatdown added a compelling twist, setting the stage for future developments. This encounter earned a strong “B+” grade. In the AEW Women’s World Championship match, “Timeless” Toni Storm reclaimed the title from Hikaru Shida. Despite interference and questionable tactics, Storm’s victory marked a significant moment for her character’s evolution. The match, while not without its faults, earned a “C+” grade. The TBS Championship triple threat match featuring Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, and Julia Hart showcased unexpected alliances and clever spots. Hart emerged victorious, bringing gold to the House of Black. The match’s quality exceeded expectations, earning a commendable “B” grade. Claudio Castagnoli and Buddy Matthews delivered a hard-hitting match, with Castagnoli securing the win using the sharpshooter. Despite fan chants for another wrestler, the match showcased in-ring action, earning a respectable “B+” grade. Eddie Kingston successfully defended the Ring of Honour World Championship against Jay Lethal. The match, while good, suffered from excessive ringside distractions. Kingston’s title defence, though, deserved a better placement on the card, earning a “C+” grade. Sting’s final match in California kicked off the night, with Copeland, Allin, and Sting defeating Cage, Luchasaurus, and Wayne. While fun, the match faced challenges, earning a “C+” grade. The clash between The Golden Jets (Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega) and The Young Bucks had high stakes. The Jets secured victory, earning an AEW tag title opportunity. Despite some logic gaps, the post-match chaos solidified The Bucks as heels, earning a “B” grade. AEW Full Gear 2023 presented a mix of highs and lows, showcasing the depth of AEW’s roster. While certain creative choices faced criticism, standout matches like Cassidy vs. Moxley and Page vs. Strickland delivered the intensity fans craved. The women’s division saw character development, with Storm and Hart making significant strides. Tag team action provided entertaining chaos, and undercard matches contributed to the overall spectacle. However, the main event’s convoluted storytelling left a bitter taste, emphasising the need for consistent creative direction. AEW, despite its success, must address these issues to maintain the high standards fans expect. In conclusion, AEW Full Gear 2023 offered a good, but not great, viewing experience. The promotion’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent shines through, but refinements in storytelling and match placement could elevate future events to greater heights. Despite the creative missteps in the main event, AEW Full Gear showcased the promotion’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The unexpected twists and turns, coupled with strong performances from rising stars, kept viewers engaged. Orange Cassidy’s triumph over Jon Moxley highlighted the unpredictable nature of AEW, while Swerve Strickland’s victory in the Texas Death Match solidified his status as a future main event player. The women’s division continued to evolve with Toni Storm’s controversial win, adding layers to ongoing storylines. While the inconsistencies revealed areas for improvement, AEW Full Gear maintained its status as a must-watch event, leaving fans eager for the promotion’s next chapter.
5 Talking Points From AEW Full Gear 2023
The stage is set for AEW’s Full Gear 2023 at California’s Kia Forum, promising wrestling enthusiasts a night to remember. With MJF defending against Jay White in the headline bout, anticipation is high for a monumental clash. This event follows MJF’s previous success, generating around 140,000 pay-per-view buys. The stellar build-up to key matches positions this year’s Full Gear to surpass previous records. MJF’s headlining act at Full Gear 2023 adds another chapter to his storied career. Having previously headlined Full Gear with significant success, the stakes are high for this encounter with Jay White. The clash holds promise for a memorable night of wrestling action, and the robust build-up only amplifies the expectations. A standout feud leading to Full Gear is the intense battle between Swerve Strickland and Adam “Hangman” Page. This rivalry exemplifies AEW’s prowess in crafting engaging storylines that extend beyond championship pursuits. While the trajectory leans towards a victory for the fan-favourite Page, an unexpected win for the red-hot Strickland could propel him into the spotlight for a major world title push. The AEW International Title scene has witnessed fluctuations due to injuries and unforeseen circumstances. Jon Moxley, AEW’s marquee star, stands at the centre of this narrative, providing a potential redemption story. Full Gear serves as an opportunity for Moxley to reclaim the International Championship and restore stability to a division marked by recent changes. The women’s division sees the captivating transformation of Toni Storm into the enigmatic “Timeless” character. This metamorphosis has injected renewed vigour into AEW’s storytelling. The proposal of Storm winning the AEW Women’s World Championship for a third time not only solidifies her status as a premier heel but also sets the stage for an electrifying rivalry with the emerging Mariah May. The Young Bucks, after a period of relative quietness in storylines, find themselves in a pivotal narrative against Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho. Marking their first significant storyline since re-signing with AEW, the Bucks face a crucial moment that could redefine their characters. A potential heel turn against Omega and Jericho promises to inject fresh energy into their personas and deliver compelling television. Bonus: The “Devil” Mask Revelation A central intrigue leading to Full Gear revolves around the mystery of the “devil” mask. Amid various speculations, the most compelling outcome suggests Adam Cole as the masked figure. This revelation not only adds an element of surprise but also lays the groundwork for a riveting rivalry between Cole and MJF, potentially culminating in a future AEW World title. Final Thoughts In the aftermath of AEW Full Gear 2023, the wrestling landscape is left buzzing with the echoes of triumphs, strategic manoeuvres, and unforeseen revelations. MJF’s successful defence against Jay White not only solidifies his standing as the AEW World Champion but also cements Full Gear 2023 as another feather in his illustrious cap. The marquee clash delivered on its promise, weaving a narrative of intensity and spectacle that captivated audiences. The intense rivalry between Swerve Strickland and Adam “Hangman” Page reached its zenith at Full Gear, offering a masterclass in storytelling. While the trajectory hinted at a Page victory, the unexpected triumph of Strickland signalled a bold move by AEW, propelling him into the upper echelons of contention for a major world title. Jon Moxley’s redemption story for the AEW International Title unfolded with dramatic flair, bringing stability back to a division marked by recent shifts. Moxley’s victory not only reinstates him as a dominant force but also elevates the prestige of the International Championship, setting the stage for fresh challenges and dynamic matchups. Toni Storm’s third reign as the AEW Women’s World Champion adds a new layer to the women’s division. Her descent into madness, embodied by the “Timeless” character, injects a unique flavor into AEW’s storytelling. With a potential feud on the horizon against Mariah May, Storm’s reign promises to be a captivating chapter in the evolving narrative of AEW’s women’s division. The Young Bucks’ pivotal heel turn against Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho marks a paradigm shift in their characters. This unexpected twist injects a dose of unpredictability into AEW’s tag team scene, presenting new avenues for storytelling and compelling matchups. As the dust settles, the Bucks find themselves at the centre of a narrative storm, poised for a dynamic chapter in their AEW journey. The revelation of Adam Cole as the masked figure behind the “devil” mask adds an intriguing layer to ongoing storylines. A potential rivalry with MJF could redefine the landscape of AEW’s main-event scene, creating anticipation for future clashes and further establishing AEW’s commitment to delivering unexpected twists. In the aftermath of Full Gear 2023, AEW emerges not only as a purveyor of thrilling in-ring action but also as a storyteller, weaving intricate narratives that keep fans on the edge of their seats. As the wrestling world reflects on the events of Full Gear, the anticipation for what lies ahead in AEW’s ever-evolving saga continues to build. As Full Gear approaches, AEW stands on the precipice of delivering a wrestling spectacle. Streamlining storylines and focusing on key matchups will enhance viewer engagement. The anticipated showdown between MJF and Jay White should conclude with MJF convincingly retaining the AEW World Championship, setting the stage for a post-event landscape brimming with exciting possibilities. In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, AEW continues to captivate audiences, and Full Gear 2023 is poised to be another milestone in this journey.
