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On March 31st 1985, a colossal event rocked the sporting world and changed the face of professional wrestling. After that night, one question has rung among old school wrestling fans. Where were you on the night of WrestleMania I?
On September 1st 2018, three young men brought together the cumulative journey of their hard work on a show set to challenge that very same juggernaut from ages ago and twist the game once more. Now fans will ask; Where were you on the night of ALL IN?
The special PPV event presented and created by the collective minds of Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks is nothing short of a miracle. It doesn't even matter what rating or how great the event is. It matters that it's an unparalleled success and that it has become.
ALL IN 2018 will remain in infamy as the greatest change to come to the slowly growing Independent wrestling scene. It is at this point in time that wrestlers from all walks of life can come and realize they have a future beyond just one corporate giant.
ALL IN has changed wrestling for good and [spoiler alert] the icing on the cake is that it's really good. How good, let's just find out!
The Event
Normally in such a case, the review would entail a look-see into individual matches and how they affected the overall card. One, however, can't avoid analysing the event, independently produced by wrestlers. It takes a bunch of guts and hard work to carry this out, so to celebrate it is a given.
ALL IN's production values were top-notch with a packed Sears Centre in Chicago witness to a fairly smooth show. Sure the sound team could have really pumped up the volume of the arena and not muted it like they mistakenly did. Sure the team could have made the show runtime airtight such that the main event didn't get truncated. Sure the card placement was a bit odd.
Yet even with all these minute hiccups, that the ELITE among others managed to craft a show of such magnitude is a show of their spirit and efforts. ALL IN is only a game changer because Cody and the Young Bucks put their money where their mouth is. The genius behind this all is that the team can finally go on to better themselves for the inevitable sequel.
ALL IN Zero Hour: The Briscoe Brothers (Jay and Mark Briscoe) vs. SCU (Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky)
On what essentially amounted to a pre-show before the main event, these two tag teams tore the house down setting up the fans for a delightful night. Smartly having turned face on Ring of Honor just prior to the event, SCU led the charge in a fight with the fans one hundred percent behind them.
Classic tag team wrestling at its finest saw the Briscoes dominate for a portion before the hot tag Frankie Kazarian resulting in an explosive arena cheering on an explosive second and third act. Kazarian and Sky pulled off double dragon sleepers [with a slight miscue] before Briscoes took control back.
The Briscoes nearly had it but to start with a bang a Kazarian turn around added to an exhilarating win for Sol Cal Uncensored. A highlight reel contest acting as the perfect heater for the show.
Frankie Kazarian counters a doomsday device to get the pin as SCU win the match!
Rating:
ALL IN Zero Hour: Over Budget Battle Royal for a Shot at the ROH World Championship
With interesting stakes and the important positioning to really kick off the show just before it went on air, this battle royal promised some intense and fun drama. While the surprises might have been low, they were definitely unexpected yet fulfilling in a sweet way.
Since the event's announcement, Flip Gordon tried his level best on Being the ELITE to get into the match card. He fell in a contest against Joey Janela promising a position, he got the approval of the Young Bucks but not Cody.
Flip had no other choice, but come in masked as Chico El Luchador and even then a Bully Ray shot through the table nearly did him in. From an opening brawl across the ringside to Marko Stunt pulling of stunning reversals. After a stretch of excitement, even the Best Friends got to hug, while Rocky Romero ran wild. Jimmy Jacobs hit a five knuckle shuffle, Grace eliminated the massive Brian Cage and finally, Bully Ray took out hometown hero Colt Cabana.
It seemed all was over until Chico returned to a hell of an ovation to take out Ray and reveal himself as Flip Gordon. Not only did Gordon get vindication by getting on the main show, but also sweet revenge on his tormentor Bully Ray!
Flip Gordon last eliminates Bully Ray for the win to go ALL IN for the Ring of Honor Championship shot!
Rating:
MJF vs. Matt Cross
For a late addition to the card, hands down to both MJF and Cross in delivering a contest unlike expected as the opener of ALL IN. One might complain that it didn't have the bang for buck [pun intended] that the event needed but instead it provided an alternative for everything else to come.
Pitting the high-flying veteran Cross against the rookie ground specialist MJF is a genius move. The two went toe to toe trying to keep the game in their comfort zone in an evenly pace contest. MJF played the dastardly heel to perfection suckering in Cross on multiple occasions in different ways.
Cross meanwhile kept things straight letting his opponent carry the story while he fought the match. This smart division amounted to a relatively straightforward but great contest. Underrated it shall remain as Cross' victorious ability in putting MJF over [in loss] like a star.
Matt Cross hits a shooting star press and pins MJF for the win!
Rating:
Stephen Amell vs. 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels
Once Cody Rhodes retires he could go into production for wrestling or he could just as well become a coach. The latter could be said the same for the veteran Christopher Daniels. Not only did Cody's training pay off but so has Daniel's brilliant acumen in the ring to help lead a green but game Stephen Amell to one hell of a match.
The Arrow star stepped into the ring for his first singles match [his second since a Summerslam tag team bout] but never looked out of place once. Though clearly exhausted towards the end, Amell put on a stunning show against the fallen angel.
As an avid fan, it was also great to see the star not only take risky table bumps but also take the fall for the fallen angel. Speaking of which, there's nobody in the game like Daniels a thorough professional who just seamlessly adjusts to his opponents and makes a miracle. Mind you this was a fascinating miracle born of hard work, take a bow boys!
PS: The sublime addition of Jerry Lynn as referee to the match gave is a power-packed turn!
Christopher Daniels picks up the win by pinning Stephen Amell
Rating:
Tessa Blanchard vs. Madison Rayne vs. Chelsea Green vs. Dr. Britt Baker
A few botches aside including the final pinning combination, what seemed like a token women's match turned out to deserve a full house standing ovation. Each woman's distinctive entry into the match including Britt Baker coming to partner Adam Cole's former music. Signified that each woman would bring a distinct flavor to this riveting four corners match.
It began with the standard one on one in the ring while the other two took a powder, but once the furious counters began every woman was fighting tooth and nail for the victory. Rayne brought her veteran ability, Baker a certain ease and showmanship, Chelsea in her crazy bride get up with the chaos while Tessa's power game reigned supreme.
These women put it all on the line to prove their worth to not just any company, ALL IN and fans but the world that the women's wrestling evolution is far from the conception of just one rich boss's daughter. After an ecstatic Blanchard win, the four hugged to an unbelievable applause.
Tessa Blanchard pins Chelsea Green to win this exhilarating contest!
Rating:
For the NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Nick Aldis (c) vs. Cody/w Brandi Rhodes
The question still remains whether this should have closed out the night. What with the championship stakes in the match, as well as the entrance pageantry and the emotional significance the title and event hold for Cody. Kudos to him succeeding in this position and to his partners the Young Bucks in a smart time management move as well as a homage to classic wrestling.
Speaking of homages, the two competitors along with extra elements crafted a contest reminiscent of classic NWA title matched down to the roll-up finish that saw Cody win the title. Same way like his old man Dusty Rhodes did, paving for the end to a beautiful story.
That Cody bet on himself once he left WWE, that Cody bet on himself to make this show. It's finally a great moment to see him reap the rewards of this with a victory that could put Billy Corgan's NWA plans once more on the map. Kudos to Nick Aldis as well for playing the perfect foil.
Cody takes a page out of Dusty's book to pin Nick Aldis and win to become the NEW NWA World Heavyweight Champion!
Rating:
Chicago Street Fight: Adam Page vs. Joey Janela/w Penelope Ford
Set to the tunes of the Being the ELITE storylines, the ever-improving Adam Page came into this match screaming bloody murder just as Joey Janela proved once again why he is certifiably insane. Add to that a constantly needling Penelope Ford, who got involved one too many times and this becomes a riot.
From haunting boots to death-defying shots by Page with the very phone he presumably killed Joey Ryan with. Even an amazing number of table spots couldn't put each man down until the vaunted rites of passage from a ladder onto a table, finished the resilient Janela.
These two men tore the house down literally with a real hardcore street fight, the kind synonymous with Chicago. Yet nothing, nothing could top the madness of the post-match resurrection of Joey Ryan flanked by inflatable male appendages [for a lack of a safer word].
Adam Page hits a crazy rite of passage to beat Janela and win the match!
Rating:
For the ROH World Title: Jay Lethal/w Lanny Poffo vs. Flip Gordon/w Brandi Rhodes
Adding an intriguing element to proceedings with the Genius Poffo tuning Jay Lethal into his 'Black Machismo' persona from ages old, this match was off to a fun start. Jay trying hard to make Brandi into his Miss Elizabeth, Flip finally getting his opportunity and Machismo knocked back into Lethal form.
After which the match took a serious turn, Lethal dominated for a portion until Flip got some hope spots. It's an interesting coming out party for Flip Gordon, who's definitely headed towards the ROH title in the near future. Meanwhile Lethal picked up the win with Lethal Injection.
After the match, once more Bully Ray came in to spoil the party until hometown hero Colt Cabana acted as rescue. The three men putting Ray through a table in SHIELD like fashion. A fun and standard ROH title match putting Flip over and proving Lethal's brilliance.
Jay Lethal hits a Lethal Injection to win with a pin to Flip Gordon and retain the ROH World Championship!
Rating:
Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr.
Dream matches rarely live up to expectations, this is one exception. Bringing together the greatest modern-day Luchador with the best bout machine might have been an expected blockbuster.
Here we are, with this match standing as ALL IN's finest. The two men pulled off exciting counter after counter with Pentagon even snapping off Omega's hand, though Kenny didn't sell it too well. Even then the two pulled off a rollicking ride, especially the final stretch seeing Omega pull off the one winged angel for an assured win.
Even with this clear, Pentagon played off such a wonderful story it seemed he could walk out with the win anytime. He walked out though in the dark, replaced beautifully by a vengeful Chris Jericho. Drink it in man!
Kenny Omega pins Pentagon Jr. in a fine match for a fine win. After which Jericho takes him out!
Rating:
Kazuchika Okada vs. Marty Scurll
Going over the time limit, this battle between the heavyweight Okada and junior Scurll promised an intriguing contest. Going back and forth, it followed Scurll trying to prove he belongs with the big guns while Okada getting out of his funk after losing his IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Okada entering to his rainmaker music was the first clue.
Even then this see-saw battle provided moments of absolute belief that Scurll could do it, especially one he snapped Okada's fingers. The viciousness building between the two despite some lethargy towards the end.
Had they cut short and played a smarter game this could have challenged Omega and Pentagon for match of the night. Even then, they provided an interesting highlight especially for Scurll who should soon move up the heavyweight division. As for Okada, his recomposure and confidence boost will be of great help later against Tanahashi.
Kazuchika Okada hits a trio of rainmakers for the pin and wins against Marty Scurll!
Rating:
Rey Mysterio, Bandido and Fenix vs. The Young Bucks [Matt and Nick Jackson] and Kota Ibushi
Curtailed by the events of the night, the main event became a twelve-minute mad sprint. Evoking match cards of old, this classic six-man tag took precedence over dream encounter and title matches with good effect.
The Bucks, as usual, proved a thrilling entity stealing the show. Bandido will light the world on fire, with his name now truly known by the mainstream wrestling crowd. Fenix proves once more that he is the rightful heir to Rey Mysterio's throne.
As for Mysterio, what is their left to say. When tagged in up against Kota Ibushi, the crowd came roaring with some unsavory chants. The two men putting on an instant classic, as the Golden Star showcased why when on fire no one tops him. Eventually, the six men managed a classic out of nothing much proving their mettle, with the Bucks pulling off a brilliant win.
The Meltzer driver destroys Bandito as Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi pick up a win!
Rating:
ALL IN is an undeniable success. More importantly in his poetic words after the show, Cody pitched it perfectly; wrestling doesn't belong to just one company, it belongs to all of them [the wrestlers and the fans]. This beautiful statement hangs over an event gone down in history.
The fact is simple, much like anything else revolutionary such as the first Wrestlemania. ALL IN shall stand as a staggeringly important event even though sequels are bound to surpass it in terms of quality. Sequels are sure to come which Cody and the Young Bucks alluded to.
This is a game changer for the team and the production was as smooth enough is another marvel. Finally, despite some time constraints, none of the matches including Amell's assured singled debut failed to deliver. This is a card and even worth celebrating, one to live in infamy years from now.
That's when you can answer with a wide smile to the question "Where were you on the night of ALL IN?"
Final Rating:
