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AEW Rampage was what made pro wrestling headlines on August 20th. Well before the show even aired, everybody knew what to expect and the company delivered. Rampage was a short one-hour episode filled with the biggest return in years and three high-consequence matches.
Christian Cage didn't wrestle but he vowed to take the AEW World Championship from Kenny Omega, just like he took the Impact World title from him. The Cleaner hit back as well and their feud intensified.
But all of that was completely overshadowed by what can only be described as the biggest debut in AEW history and one of the biggest returns in pro wrestling in the last decade. Let's jump into what AEW subtly told us at Rampage this week:
#5. The Summer of Punk III begins on AEW Rampage
Rather than making us wait, Tony Khan decided to start AEW Rampage the best way he could - with CM Punk's debut. CM Punk is now All Elite as he debuted at AEW Rampage.
The sold-out crowd at AEW Rampage (the largest in AEW history) were chanting for CM Punk before the show even started and it was a moment to remember. CM Punk always shared a special relationship with his hometown of Chicago, but the reaction he got could be compared to that of Money in the Bank 2011.
He had the crowd at the United Center for AEW Rampage in the palm of hand. Interestingly, he made a comment that stands out. Punk claimed that it was in 2005 when he had his last wrestling match before joining WWE.
16 years later, CM Punk said he's back in professional wrestling. He seems to have labeled his near 8-and-a-half year stint with WWE as "sports entertainment" and didn't give them the pleasure of any acknowledgment.
CM Punk was always going to overshadow anything else that happened on the show or in professional wrestling as a whole. What is also official is when CM Punk will make his in-ring debut.
He is set to face Darby Allin on September 5th at the All Out pay-per-view. It may finally be time to say; the Summer of Punk has officially begun!
#4. Jurassic Express establish themselves as Tag Title favourites on AEW Rampage
At AEW Rampage, the mini-tournament to determine The Young Bucks' opponents at All Out began. The first match was Jurassic Express vs Private Party (with Matt Hardy in their corner).
It was an explosive and exciting match-up, with the sentimental favorites Jurassic Express nearly suffering a defeat. However, in an incredible effort, the young Jungle Boy got the pinfall to qualify for the final.
In the final, they will meet either The Lucha Bros or The Varsity Blondes. We expect The Lucha Bros to win this, but who will end up in the steel cage with The Youg Bucks at All Out? Fans will certainly be hoping for Jurassic Express to get their moment.
#3. Jade Cargill steamrolls her way through on AEW Rampage
Jade Cargill has been nothing short of dominant in AEW. Her undefeated run continued on AEW Rampage as she defeated Kiera Hogan in a squash match.
Kiera Hogan certainly isn't a slouch, but Jade Cargill made her look like one. So far, all the talk has been backed up in a big way and she could be the next big star in the AEW Women's division. This was another star-making performance on AEW Rampage for Jade Cargill.
#2. Jon Moxley gets his retribution at AEW Rampage
Jon Moxley was a bit overshadowed at AEW Rampage, but he was in the main event regardless. After an assault by Daniel Garcia and 2point0, he sought retribution at AEW Rampage.
The match hardly went on for a few minutes but that was all that was needed. Moxley forced Garcia to tap out with a bulldog choke before the beatdown started. After that, Darby Allin, Sting, and Eddie Kingston came out to even the odds and got the better of 2point0.
Jon Moxley doesn't seem to have a big role heading into All Out this year, but he could be in one of the undercard matches at the pay-per-view.
#1. Darby Allin gets the rub from CM Punk
Darby Allin's appearance at AEW Rampage this week wasn't limited to the main event. CM Punk happened to call him out as his first opponent and the two will face off at AEW All Out in a marquee match.
It's a huge moment for Darby Allin, who has been praised as AEW's best homegrown superstar. It's nice of CM Punk to choose him and Allin, along with Sting, watched on from the rafters.
CM Punk will make his in-ring return after 7-and-a-half years and Darby Allin will be the one to get the rub. Behind the scenes and on-screen, it's a huge push for the young AEW star.
