'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
A Swagger filled Debut
Jake Hager vs. Dustin Rhodes
One thing AEW might want to consider for the future is how they structure their card. This has been a somewhat jarring issue through their production of Dynamite and it has carried over to PPVs as well. While opening with the heated bout between Dustin and Jake Hager might have been an inspired choice on paper, it particularly didn't feel so with the layout of the match.
Though appropriately rough and tumble, with Hager getting some beastly licks in and an MMA styled warm up. For all that Dustin is incredibly capable of at his age, this should have gone short and sweet in favor of the dominant Bellator fighter. To be fair, Hager has improved leaps in the wrestling ring, utilizing not only his MMA skills but some great expressiveness when called for. Particularly in his anguish over putting away the veteran Rhodes.
The use of Hager's wife also seemed inspired, despite Dustin's kiss to her (an unneeded throwback to Attitude Era shenanigans, particularly by a babyface) was inspired, though that should have intensified. Not as slobber knocker as the interactions on Dynamite promised, but perhaps a decent showcase for the wrestling variety Hager brings as the muscle of Inner Circle. If only this could have been a completely clean win, Dustin doesn't need the protection.
Result: Jake Hager hits a low blow before choking out to tap out Dustin Rhodes and win by submission
Rating:
