Double or Nothing VII - 5/25/2025

[JLowe]

6 hours ago, Kevin Wilson said:

I feel like Speedball/Okada deserves more recognition. I think Okada has been very good/not always great in AEW, not all his fault as he is kinda in his own bubble with minimal interaction with the rest of the roster but while I wouldn't say he has been coasting, he just has only reached that 'top level' a couple times (in my opinion) since joining the promotion. But man Speedball just got the best out of him last night, both of them killed it but seeing Okada show some urgency again felt right. And I bit hard on the last Speedball nearfall even though I KNEW Okada had to win to set up the Omega match for the title, so even knowing the result if a nearfall gets me you know the match has hooked me in. I have it has the third best match on the card but only because AITA and the main were *****ish matches, if I did stars I'd probably have Speedball/Okada around **** 1/2.

Every AEW PPV seems to have one match that really over-delivers and that was the match on this one for me, a match with minimal build just blowing away my expectations.

I hate that they feel the need to build up to an Okada-Omega title match because that match was the perfect time for a shocker. Okada being lackadaisical and looking past Speedball, only to realize too late that he’s not prepared for this. Announcers did a really good job of telling the story of this match.

[JLowe]

Not a ton to add, every match was at least very good and we had several MOTYC.

I thought Mone/Hayter was an excellent opener, and while I was rooting for Jamie I expected Mone to win, given the win streak. And honestly, it’s time for her to be in the world title scene and let the younger women and up-and-comers fight for and get elevated by the midcard belt.

Toni-Mina was great wrestling, great comedy, entertaining as all hell. Kinda funny how your top woman can have a couple of losses on her record without killing her heat one bit. I really thought Mariah would get involved.

There was lots of speculation on debuts and big returns, and all we get is Hook dressed like Kenny and a broken Tanahashi.

I can argue that the main was too long, but that crowd was into it the whole time, bit on every near fall, and in general it really helped make it feel like either guy could’ve won, but only one of them could. Ospreay’s ascension is still coming, he’s got plenty of time to be the top guy ahead of him.

Edit to add: my hater side loves that Adam Cole baybay was put into the cooler spot before the main event and was clearly a level below the top guys of the Callis Family.

Edited May 26, 2025 by JLowe

[Hail Sabin]

I look forward to watching this again when Amazon puts up the replay. Revolution still shows up that I can watch it again. 

[The Natural]

11 hours ago, JLowe said:

Not a ton to add, every match was at least very good and we had several MOTYC.

I thought Mone/Hayter was an excellent opener, and while I was rooting for Jamie I expected Mone to win, given the win streak. And honestly, it’s time for her to be in the world title scene and let the younger women and up-and-comers fight for and get elevated by the midcard belt.

Toni-Mina was great wrestling, great comedy, entertaining as all hell. Kinda funny how your top woman can have a couple of losses on her record without killing her heat one bit. I really thought Mariah would get involved.

There was lots of speculation on debuts and big returns, and all we get is Hook dressed like Kenny and a broken Tanahashi.

I can argue that the main was too long, but that crowd was into it the whole time, bit on every near fall, and in general it really helped make it feel like either guy could’ve won, but only one of them could. Ospreay’s ascension is still coming, he’s got plenty of time to be the top guy ahead of him.

Edit to add: my hater side loves that Adam Cole baybay was put into the cooler spot before the main event and was clearly a level below the top guys of the Callis Family.

Agree with all this, especially Adam Cole. One of those wrestlers popular with the majority and you just don't get it. Man the TNT Championship is so not what it was. The AEW International Championship has well and truly past it. Shame as the TNT Championship was the secondary championship.

[NikoBaltimore]

Not much to say that hasn't been said but DoN was a fucking blast and a great show to have on while hosting a party.

First two matches we were paying attention more to eating, talking about life and getting our drink on.  From what I saw they were good and I enjoyed both when watching it again yesterday.  The Ricochet/Briscoe match felt pointless on paper but jeez did they deliver.  My friend's kid was loving Briscoe especially after telling him he lives in Southern Maryland and goes between there and Sandy Fork for the chicken farm.  But when Mark started bleeding after a few minutes he was not having it so I was called over to calm him down.  Poor kid is understandably squeamish but calmed down after the match.  We paid no attention to the tag title match and I fell asleep trying to watch it back so I guess that was a miss for me.  But Okada/Bailey was a lovely surprise and was great to watch with friends because kicks, flips and other cool shit.  Neat!  Oh, and Toni/Mina was great.

Fucking hell AitA hit all the right notes for a PPV party.  "I'm so excited" had us in stiches and "Bodies" had us amazed at the crowd losing their minds.  That visual of them jumping should be saved for whatever highlight package it can apply to.  Oh, and the Glendale crowd was fucking amazing the whole night.  The match itself was so much fun to watch with the staple spot ranging from laughing at Swerve's proficiency with it to slight disgust when his tongue got stapled.  But it was a wonderful spectacle and was pleasantly surprised the faces won.  By rights it could have been the main event yet I am still quite fine with DR not getting the spot for once.  Also, my friend's kid covered his head with the blanket just in case so he was fine yet his dad has an irrational hatred to Nana and his dancing.  Yet he liked Swerve.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The trios match at the moment felt pointless and no attention was paid to it.  Yet watching it yesterday it felt like a pretty good match with poor Cole having an off night.  Did it need to be on the PPV?  Not really.  But I also appreciate seeing the DCF on there as I went from not caring about the group to think they're more kind-sized lately.  As for the main event it was not only great but looked tremendous with the production.  It had that epic feel to it and it felt very satisfying seeing Hangman won.  He has to be the one to win the title and I feel he will be.  My friend however was pissed because he preferred Ospreay due to the Assassin's Creed stuff and if he knew he'd lose would have left before the match.  To be fair it was pretty late for them and the show was pretty long.  But between the Nana hate and this he's and odd one.

All in all the show was great, fun was had I feel this will hold up as being one of the better DoN's they've had.  Great stuff.

[Curt McGirt]

You know, after all these long-ass PPVs, this one felt like it flew by to me for a change. Maybe it had to do with my investment in the matches or something. The distraction was definitely welcome. 

Swerve being so nonchalant with the stapler was the best part. 

[Brandon Bones]

Totally amazeballs.

Mostly in respect to those matches I didn’t have much investment still hitting it out of the park.  
 

I haven’t been a fan of the AITA over the years.  And for a moment I thought the goofy aspects were going to ruin any violence based high water marks.  Nope.  No worries.  I was indeed, excited and not hiding it.  Got zero love for Nü Metal but whatever.  The singalong was fun. I mean… Coach Tony spent all that money on licensing rights.  Make the most of it.  
 

I’ve seen some feedback surrounding amazement over the lack of fatigue going into the main event.  I can’t disagree.  I was primed.  Probably in part because Ospreay was forward thinking enough to cue me up for the expected marathon I guess.  I was just ready for it and it was awesome.

Now hopefully the ticket sales or the mid-summer Texas hot sun doesn’t ruin the biggun.  

 

[Curt McGirt]

[Curt McGirt]

...okay

EDIT: God there are so many good photos showing up. 

Spoiler

 

Edited May 27, 2025 by Curt McGirt

[DreamBroken]

Another all time great feeling PPV.

The Shootout in the Desert was an epic main event. A couple months ago I was convinced Ospreay was the guy for All In to dethrone Moxley, but as this build ramped up, I started feeling like Hangman was more likely for it. I'm a fan of both guys, but I was leaning more towards rooting for my original pick in Ospreay. so I was feeling slightly disappointed when it was all over and the three count hit. Ospreay/Moxley felt fresh and something not done yet in AEW. But the more I've thought about since, I'm happy with it being Hangman and for him. Just a good mix of emotions coming out of an incredible main event. Though I am mostly left wondering now what Ospreay ends up doing at All In instead.

Anarchy in the Arena was an absolute blast from start to finish. Going in to it I wasn't really thinking about the music aspect again and then totally marked out for both I'm So Excited (which should've been more than a 1 week opening theme!) and of course Bodies. 

Speedball/Okada was right up there with my favorite matches of the night. Was really looking forward to it and they delivered big despite the outcome not really being in doubt, still some great near falls. Thought the finish was really awesome with Okada dropkicking Speedball out of mid air leading in to the Rainmaker. I definitely need Speedball having a future run as International or Continental champ. Also been loving Speedball's entrance music, feels very early 90s. As a huge Speedball fan, my favorite thing is seeing the amount of people that may have been initially skeptical about him coming in, coming around to enjoying his work.

Toni/Mina was pretty much perfect for another match where the outcome wasn't really in doubt but I loved it all the way through. Ricochet/Mark killed it with another showstealer candidate.  FTR vs Garcia/Nigel was good stuff and thought Mercedes/Hayter was a pretty excellent opener. 

Also shout out to Anna/Harley vs Megan/Penelope as a really good tag match that got a nice amount of time to get going for being just the preshow opener.  hell of a show overall. 

[JLowe]

Speaking of the buy-in:

1. Someone mentioned that both women’s teams having matching gear might be another sign of a plan for a women’s tag title.

2. I feel a little bad for Andretti getting his face smashed in, and finishing out the match was gutsy, but he had blown being the catcher on 2 or 3 moves in a row culminating with the one that broke his nose.

[southofheavy]

That main event, man. 

I've been able to appreciate Will Ospreay for what he is. I don't go out of my way to watch his matches, but I'm always down to watch his sprints. Anything beyond that is not really my cup of tea. 

But, damn. This one? 

It's his career best match. 

Might be Hanger's, too. 

Either way, it fucking ROCKED and I'll definitely be watching it again. 

[RazorbladeKiss87]

Gotta go back to watch the main because I was exhausted by that point but everything else (except the 6 man which I skipped) was pretty damn good. Mercedes has won me over. Hope Hayter is okay after that cradle ddt.  The Meteora off the apron was nasty too. 

AITA was dumb as hell (compliment) and a cool youtube feature would be footage of each wrestler pairing instead of split screens.  

I felt like the stretcher match could have been moved to a Dynamite main event. It was wild and great but the show could have been under 4 hours with that change. 

[Steventon]

It took me 3 days to get through watching the show but it was a blast.

Womens matches were great, though only real moan is having them both end in quick roll-ups out of nowhere felt a bit janky. But great matches and Toni vs Mone is the biggest match they can run. Have to imagine Mone is winning to lead to someone finally dethroning her - I don't think Toni gains much from being the one to beat her, nor does she really lose much at this from eating an L to Mone. Hayter is awesome, hopefully she isn't cycled too far down now

FTR vs Garcia/Nigel going 20+ minutes was a choice and probably not necessary. It felt like they were plugging the faces into an 'FTR epic' formula for a while, which is all good, but maybe not needed against a retired commentator.

Ricochet vs Briscoe was a ball. This is the best Ricochet has ever been in his career.

Second the praise for Okada vs Speedball. This felt like one of the really good matches Okada was having with lower tier challengers in his first or second run in NJPW rather than the forced 40+ minute epics. Both guys looked great, very well structured match with Okada actually bringing a good heat section and plenty of control. Probably the best Okada match in AEW so far.

AITA is basically a massive party every year now. Which is awesome. It has totally gained it's own identity as a match. I could not tell you where I would rate it vs others or any match on the show, but it was a blast. A wonderful clusterfuck.

I will be in the minority, but the main event didn't do a ton for me until the final section. Felt like they were just going through moves and filling time without much structure until the epic final act. But it gave the crowd what they wanted and Hangman came out as The Man. People commented that they maybe should have put a rocket on Ospreay when he first signed, but I think him coming so close to the big win a couple times now has made him more compelling and will be make it more satisfying when he does win the title (hopefully at FD).

Even if it went long and some matches should have been shaved, the overall MOOD of the show was so positive

Edited May 28, 2025 by Steventon

[Curt McGirt]

I just went onto Segunda and found Matt's review of some of the matches from the show, and have to reprint this line because it just nails him to the wall.

Re: Ricochet

Quote

He makes amazing things irritating just by doing them.

Now how perfect is that?

[Go2Sleep]

Did a re-watch of Okada/Speedball, and it was top-shelf. It had the vibe of a Dean Malenko CW title defense on an NWO-era show. No excessive finishers and kickouts, just a lot of smooth wrestling and counter-wrestling, well-timed high spots, and a perfect tempo to keep the crowd engaged without over-stepping its bounds on the card. 

Way lower stakes than the main, way less spectacle than AITA, but a perfect fit on the card and a MOTYC in its own right.

[Curt McGirt]

Another huge pile of pics, these exclusively from Anarchy

Spoiler

The before-and-during of the explosion spot is incredible. Also, you gotta give Shafir her props, she's finally over the hump and working this gimmick right. 

[tbarrie]

I also took multiple days to watch the show, as I am old and tire easily. I finished watching early Tuesday evening.

Probably too late to bother with match by match reactions, but one thing I thought was interesting: the Death Riders/Young Bucks team were the only heels to lose all night. (Unless you want to argue that, as the less beloved face in their matches, Mina and Ospreay were kinda-sorta heels for the night. Which - I don't know. Maybe?)

In decades past, that would have been questionable booking likely to kill the crowd. But in 2025, I don't if know if many people even noticed. I find that interesting and maybe a little sad.

[Go2Sleep]

54 minutes ago, tbarrie said:

Probably too late to bother with match by match reactions, but one thing I thought was interesting: the Death Riders/Young Bucks team were the only heels to lose all night. (Unless you want to argue that, as the less beloved face in their matches, Mina and Ospreay were kinda-sorta heels for the night. Which - I don't know. Maybe?)

You have the two matches you mentioned that were face/face, plus Hurt Syndicate who are tweeners that everyone is much more into than Dustin/Sammy. It also helps that Mercedes and Okada are in the same boat where crowds are mostly "we're happy to play along with you being a heel, but we really love you."

Another great little moment in AITA was Willow's reaction when Bodies started playing.

[tbarrie]

18 hours ago, Go2Sleep said:

You have the two matches you mentioned that were face/face, plus Hurt Syndicate who are tweeners that everyone is much more into than Dustin/Sammy.

The Hurt Syndicate is an interesting case. They are clearly more over than the Sons of Texas, but they're also currently aligned with MJF. In my mind that means you have to classify them as heels. I expect they won't be when the MJF angle is done, but they are now, in my opinion.

18 hours ago, Go2Sleep said:

It also helps that Mercedes and Okada are in the same boat where crowds are mostly "we're happy to play along with you being a heel, but we really love you."

Okay, but merely having characters who elicit that sort of reaction is a part of the "maybe a little sad" phenomenon I alluded to.

[The Natural]

Meltzer gave Anarchy in the Arena *****. Same for 2022 and 2023. 2024 is the only one not to get that rating. I'd rank them:

4. 2024. ****1/4.

3. 2023. ****1/2.

2. 2025. ****3/4 or *****.

1. 2022. *****.

[The Natural]

Read Fightful Select saying Hangman Adam Page wanted Will Ospreay to win the Owen Hart Cup whereas Will Ospreay wanted Hangman Adam Page to win and Jon Moxley going with Hangman Adam Page. I think the right guy won. I just hope to fuck Page beats Mox at AEW All In. I hope Tony Khan doesn't do the following:

Page wins and drops it a month latter to Ospreay at Forbidden Door in London.

Mox beats Page and drops it to Darby at Wrestle Dream in Seattle. Allin's hometown.

[Shartnado]

The PPV was amazing, but that main event was the reason why work out, why I listen to music and why I fucking drink! That was all the shit even worth going through this life at this point! The best things! The guy I wanted to win lost, and I was fine with that because the other guy had reasons too! And I'm not the guy who will save the day, but I can be the guy whose sacrifice will help turn the tide. This is why I still watch wrestling and even if I hate watching it sober, I still do, sometimes, so that the times I watch it the way it was meant to be watched, actually means something! Thanks and if you don't like Hangman or Ospreay, please stop watching wrestling, you are not needed here!