AEW Rampage witnessed an uptick in in-ring action with the arrival of several international stars. The likes of El Hijo Del Vikingo, Komander, and Black Taurus brought their explosive lucha style to AEW’s squared circle.
Vikingo, especially, gave some truly innovative matches against the likes of Kenny Omega and Penta of the Lucha Bros. Fans won’t be surprised if the indie sensation exclusively signs with Tony Khan’s promotion in 2024.
That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best AEW Rampage matches of 2023:
Jade Cargill vs. Kris Statlander (TBS Title Match – September 15)
Jade Cargill dropped her TBS Championship to Kris Statlander in less than one minute at AEW Double or Nothing 2023. I, like many others, never expected the first and longest-reigning TBS Champion to get toppled in such a dramatic fashion.
That being said, the rematch for the title turned out to be a lot better and arguably the best match of Jade Cargill’s stint with Jacksonville. Statlander did a terrific job carrying the powerhouse to a spectacular performance in what would be the final match of her AEW career.
Blackpool Combat Club vs. Best Friends (Parking Lot Brawl – August 4)
Blackpool Combat Club turned extremely violent in 2023. This path of violence and destruction saw them take on Best Friends. The two teams met in a “Parking Lot War” at the August 3 Rampage taping.
This match had non-stop action compared to the previous Parking Lot Brawl. Claudio Castagnoli and Jon Moxley delivered quite a brutal beat down on Chuck and Trent. The curb stomp on the car windshield sealed the win for BCC.
Dustin Rhodes vs. Swerve Strickland (AEW Rampage Slam Dunk)
Dustin Rhodes proved to be the first major test for Swerve Strickland in 2023. Both men had a heated exchange before their match at AEW Rampage Slam Dunk. They immediately went for big blows following the opening bell.
Rhodes controlled the early goings of the match with his veteran experience. Swerve picked up pace with a vicious Death Valley Driver on the apron. Rhodes won via DQ following interference from Mogul Embassy’s Parker Boudreaux.
FTR vs. El Hijo Del Vikingo & Komander (November 10)
Two completely different styles clashed when FTR took on El Hijo Del Vikingo and Komander in tag team action on Rampage. Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler’s old-school methodology complemented their opponents’ aerial versatility.
The crowd was into the match from the opening bell. Both teams traded some cool moves. The announce table spot popped a huge reaction from the crowd. FTR emerged as the winners after 12 minutes of action.
Rey Fenix vs. Komander (AEW Rampage Fight for the Fallen)
Rey Fenix has been with AEW since day one. The lucha star has given fans a lot of five-star classics. His tag team match alongside brother Penta against Young Bucks involved some of the most insane spots.
Fenix delivered yet another banger of a performance when he took on an upstart Komander on Rampage. Both men went at each other with the sound of the opening bell, and they didn’t stop until the closing bell.
Honorable Mentions
- Jamie Hayter vs. Emi Sakura (AEW Women’s World Title Match – January 27)
- Konosuke Takeshita vs. Kyle Fletcher (AEW Rampage #116)
- El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Black Taurus (AAA Mega Title Match – December 22)
- Young Bucks vs. Aussie Open (AEW Rampage #81)
- Bryan Danielson vs. Daniel Garcia (Continental Classic Blue League Match)
Also read: Best AEW Dynamite Matches Of 2023
