AEW Full Gear 2022 saw the return of The Elite for the first time since All Out and a new World Champion was crowned in the main event via a shocking betrayal. But what did Dave Meltzer make of the action?
The show featured 13 matches in total, with three taking place on the pre-show. Despite being heavy favourites heading into their Trios World Title match with Death Triangle, it was the champions who retained the gold. It was announced after the match that it was the first in a ‘Best of Seven’ series. Two new champions were also crowned at the event as Jamie Hayter and MJF both reached the top of their respective divisions.
Jamie Hayter claimed the Interim Women’s Title with a bloody win over Toni Storm. In the days after the show Thunder Rosa vacated the AEW Women’s Championship and Hayter was recognised as the ‘full’ champion. In the main event, MJF overcame Jon Moxley to become AEW World Champion for the first time. Following a chaotic battle MJF scored the win after being handed a pair of brass knuckles by William Regal who turned his back on Moxley.
In the weeks after the show MJF has turned on Regal, launching a vicious attack on the veteran which saw him leave the ring on a stretcher on November 30th. It has been widely reported that Regal will be re-joining WWE.
Elsewhere, Saraya returned to the ring for the first time in five years to pin Britt Baker. It was previously believed that the British star would never wrestle again after a sustaining two serious neck injuries.
Dave Meltzer AEW Full Gear 2022 Ratings
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has now offered his thoughts on the card. The bout between Death Triangle and The Elite scored the highest rating, while the match between Jade Cargill and Nyla Rose was awarded just two stars.
Zero Hour Pre-Show:
- Best Friends, Rocky Ramero & Danhausen def The Factory – *** 1/4
- Ricky Starks def Brian Cage ** 3/4
- Eddie Kingston def Jun Akiyama *** 1/2
Main Card:
- Jungle Boy Jack Perry def Luchasaurus – **** 1/2
- Death Triangle (c) def The Elite – **** 3/4
- Jade Cargill (c) def Nyla Rose – **
- Chris Jericho (c) def Sammy Guevara, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli – **** 1/2
- Saraya def Britt Baker ** 1/4
- Samoa Joe Def Wardlow (c) & Powerhouse Hobbs – ** 3/4
- Sting & Darby Allin def Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett – *** 1/4
- Jamie Hayter def Toni Storm (c) – *** 1/2
- The Acclaimed (c) def Swerve In Our Glory – *** 3/4
- MJF def Jon Moxley (c) – ****