AEW WrestleDream 2023: Spectacular Showdown Unveils Victors and Evaluations

AEW WrestleDream 2023: Edge Debuting And 5 Smart Booking Decisions

Introduction

The recent AEW WrestleDream 2023 event held in Seattle, Washington was not short on surprises and entertaining matches. One of the highlights of the evening was the debut of Adam “Edge” Copeland, who made his presence felt following the main event. This event also showcased several smart booking decisions that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. In this report, we will discuss the significance of Edge’s debut, analyze the key matches and winners, and shed light on the success of AEW WrestleDream 2023.

Edge’s Debut and Its Impact

Adam “Edge” Copeland’s debut at AEW WrestleDream 2023 was undoubtedly a monumental moment for the promotion. The Rated R Superstar made his entrance to his iconic Metalingus theme, saving Darby Allin from a heel turn by Nick Wayne. Edge’s presence added a new level of excitement and star power to the event, showcasing AEW‘s commitment to bringing in top talent from the world of professional wrestling. The use of a steel chair to chase off the heels further solidified Edge as a force to be reckoned with in AEW.

The Philosophy of Surprise Debuts

The inclusion of surprise debuts in professional wrestling events has long been a tactic used to generate buzz and keep audiences on the edge of their seats. These moments create shock and excitement, drawing in both casual viewers and die-hard fans. They demonstrate a commitment to unpredictability and create memorable experiences that resonate with the audience long after the event has ended. AEW‘s decision to utilize Edge’s debut in this manner was a strategic move that successfully captivated viewers and left them eager for what’s to come.

The Key Matches and Winners

AEW WrestleDream 2023 featured a lineup of matches that showcased the incredible talent within the promotion. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout matches and their winners:

MJF vs. The Righteous | ROH Tag Team Titles

In a match that showcased both technical skills and storytelling, MJF successfully defended the ROH Tag Team Championships against The Righteous. The match had its fair share of excitement, with MJF ultimately securing the victory with a modified piledriver. The officiating may have raised some eyebrows, but it is important to remember that AEW embraces a more lenient approach to rules, which adds to the unpredictability and drama of their matches.

Eddie Kingston vs. Katsuyori Shibata | NJPW Strong, ROH World Title

Eddie Kingston and Katsuyori Shibata delivered an impressive technical wrestling match, despite the lack of build leading up to it. The clash between these two talented individuals showcased their prowess on the mat, keeping the audience engaged. However, it is worth pointing out that the match faced tough competition from other events happening simultaneously, such as a Taylor Swift concert and an NFL game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kris Statlander vs. Julia Hart | TBS Title

AEW‘s dedication to showcasing women’s wrestling was evident in the match between Kris Statlander and Julia Hart. Both competitors displayed athleticism and skill, with Statlander’s dominance highlighting her power advantage. The match generated an electric atmosphere, with Hart earning the crowd’s admiration through her impressive moves. Statlander emerged victorious with back-to-back Saturday Night Fevers, solidifying her claim as a top contender for the TBS Title.

The Young Bucks vs. The Gunns, The Lucha Bros, and Orange Cassidy and Hook | Tag Team Fatal 4-Way

This high-octane tag team match featured thrilling action and showcased the creative blend of acrobatics and storytelling that AEW is known for. The Young Bucks emerged as the winners, securing a shot at the AEW World Tag Team Titles against FTR. The inclusion of Orange Cassidy and Hook, a unique pairing, added an interesting dynamic to the match and gave fans a glimpse of their potential as a team.

Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Adam Page

Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page delivered a hard-hitting contest that had the crowd firmly behind the hometown hero, Swerve. Despite receiving mixed reactions, Page showcased his resilience, but it was Swerve’s aggressive heel tactics that earned him the victory. The JML Driver proved to be the deciding move, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and giving them a taste of what Swerve brings to the table.

Bryan Danielson vs. Zach Sabre Jr.

The match between Bryan Danielson and Zach Sabre Jr. captivated the audience’s attention with its intense striking and technical prowess. The strikes in this match were particularly brutal, providing an element of realism that resonated with the crowd. Jim Ross’s exceptional commentary added another layer of excitement, enhancing the narrative of the match. Ultimately, Danielson secured the win with a strike, a move that drew criticism from Nigel McGuinness, who disapproved of it as a display of technical wrestling.

The Callis Family vs. Jericho and The Golden Lovers

In a slower-paced match that focused on storytelling, The Callis Family faced Jericho and The Golden Lovers. The audience showed significant support for Jericho, and Kota Ibushi’s performance was commendable, considering his recent struggles. Takeshita played a crucial role in continuing AEW‘s long-term storyline by pinning Kenny Omega once again. The match served its purpose in advancing the ongoing narrative and satisfying the crowd’s desire to see these top-tier talents in action.

FTR vs. Aussie Open

FTR and Aussie Open delivered a hard-hitting encounter, showcasing their physicality throughout the match. The intense rivalry between the two teams added an extra layer of animosity, driving them to beat each other into submission. FTR’s victory was predictable, considering their stature as one of AEW‘s top tag teams. However, the match displayed the respect these teams garnered, as they left it all in the ring.

Christian Cage vs. Darby Allin

Christian Cage headlined AEW WrestleDream 2023 against hometown hero Darby Allin, eliciting a massive reaction from the audience. The match was filled with dramatic moments, including Christian’s turtleneck covering his face and Nick Wayne’s interference. While there were some hiccups during the match, such as the awkward attempts to slam Allin on the stairs, the overall excitement outweighed these minor issues. Darby Allin emerged victorious by capitalizing on Wayne’s heel turn and interference, securing a moment of triumph for the Seattle crowd.

Conclusion

AEW WrestleDream 2023 successfully delivered an event filled with surprises, exciting matches, and memorable moments. Edge’s debut created an immediate impact, signaling AEW‘s commitment to bringing top talent to the forefront. The matches showcased the incredible skills and storytelling abilities of the wrestlers involved, captivating the audience from start to finish. AEW‘s smart booking decisions, combined with their dedication to showcasing diverse and engaging matches, solidified WrestleDream 2023 as a must-watch event for professional wrestling fans.