Does Hangman Page even want his top spot in AEW at this stage? Swerve Strickland doesn’t think so. Page would be on the pre-show of AEW All Out 2023, fighting in a charity battle royale.
He hasn’t gotten new ring gear in a year, barely has singles matches, and seems fine being the fourth most important member of The Elite. Tonight, Page has a chance to prove he still belongs in his spot in AEW – as he faces Swerve’s close ally, Brian Cage.
Hangman Page & Brian Cage Have Long Awaited Third Singles Meeting
Prince Nana would be in the corner of Cage tonight, while Hangman chose to ride alone. Hangman & Cage have had two singles matches in their AEW careers, and are tied 1-1 after two clashes back in 2021.
Cage would drive Hangman into the corner with some shoulder tackles before trying for a backdrop. Hangman landed on his feet, before being run down with a shoulder tackle.
Cage would be sent to the apron for the Springboard Lariat, and ducked the first only for Hangman to hit it on the second go. A Vaulting Body Press to the floor saw Cage catch Hangman, and drove him spine first into the corner post. Cage tried to adjust into a powerbomb, but Hangman countered with a Hurricanrana.
Back in the ring, Cage would hit a lariat before choking Hangman on the ropes. Another hurricanrana would follow, before Hangman hit the 619 – a new move in his arsenal.
The music of Swerve Strickland hit and would distract Hangman who was ready for the Buckshot Lariat. Cage would take advantage, and hit a German Suplex from the apron and over the top rope.
Hangman would roll to the floor to prevent a pinfall, but Cage would keep the pressure on with some brawling blows. Cage would hit a chop in the corner of the ring before a low pump kick to the jaw.
Hangman was pulled into a pinfall, but it only found a one count. Cage would send Hangman off the ropes, and caught a lariat into a Full Nelson Slam for another pinfall.
Swerve Strickland Knows When He Wants To Face Page
Hangman & Cage would go blow for blow, with a boot to the jaw stunning Cage before running into a snap powerslam. Cage would try for a springboard moonsault, but Hangman was able to roll to safety.
Hangman would drive Cage to the floor with a lariat, before looking for a moonsault to the floor. Cage would instead slip into the ring and catch him after a crossbody.
Hangman was put on the shoulders of Cage, but countered into a Crucifix Driver. Cage rolled to the floor, and Hangman hit the moonsault to keep the pressure on.
Back in the ring, the crossbody landed, and got Hangman a near fall. Hangman would be set up on the apron for the superplex back into the ring, but Cage was unable to get him up.
Cage would be set up for the Buckshot, but would counter into an F5 attempt. Hangman blocked into a Small Package. Keeping Cage on the ropes, Hangman was able to lift him into the Deadeye for the victory.
After the bell, Hangman Page stared at Swerve Strickland, and said if he wants Page’s spot? He needs to take it himself, not send a goon after him.
Swerve had a microphone ready, and said that he will take his spot at AEW WrestleDream. That is, if Page makes it there – after The Mogul Embassy ensures he’s not 100%. Brian Cage attacked from behind, but The Young Bucks made the save and took them out with a Superkick Party.
Darby Allin & Nick Wayne Score Tag Team Win – Daniel Garcia Catches Eye Of Don Callis
Neither Darby Allin or Nick Wayne made the finals of the Grand Slam Eliminator Tournament – but they remain friends after their heated fight. Tonight, they will team up to face Matt Menard & Angelo Parker.
Before this match, we’d see Don Callis try to recruit the friend of Parker & Menard – Daniel Garcia. He’d dance in response to Callis, who said that was money – and followed him off screen.
Parker would start alongside Wayne, and as the match began – Christian Cage would come to ringside to watch this match more closely. Wayne would be distracted, and Parker took advantage.
Menard hit a big backbreaker, as Wayne would be isolated far from Allin. As Wayne got close to a tag – Jake Hager would yank Allin off the apron for a lariat, while Parker & Menard held the referees attention.
Wayne would try for a Sunset Flip, but Parker blocked and hit the elbow strike. Rear Chinlock would be applied, and Cage said with a better mentor – Wayne could be great.
Wayne would use his speed to make the tag to Allin, who would use his body as a weapon – hitting Coffin Splashes on both opponents before a shotgun dropkick. Code Red on Parker got a two count, and Wayne would get the tag.
Waynes World landed, but Menard pulled Wayne from the ring. Allin would hit the senton off the apron, before the Coffin Drop in the ring for the win.
After the match, Cage would say that was impressive – but he’s mad about still hearing about losing to Allin & Sting at All In. It wasn’t his fault, and next week at Grand Slam – he wants Allin & Sting in a tag team match with Luchasaurus as his partner.
Will Allin & Sting accept the challenge? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
