{"id":133147,"date":"2022-02-13T10:00:53","date_gmt":"2022-02-13T16:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=133147"},"modified":"2022-02-13T10:00:53","modified_gmt":"2022-02-13T16:00:53","slug":"aew-rampage-hits-misses-2-11-aew-misses-with-jay-white-presentation-bucks-shine-with-traditional-match-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2022\/02\/13\/aew-rampage-hits-misses-2-11-aew-misses-with-jay-white-presentation-bucks-shine-with-traditional-match-more\/","title":{"rendered":"AEW RAMPAGE HITS &#038; MISSES 2\/11: AEW misses with Jay White presentation, Bucks shine with traditional match, more"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-1111900074\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><p><strong>The Young Bucks defeated Roppongi Vice: HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Good, \u201ctraditional\u201d Young Bucks match.<\/p>\n<p>The commentators tried hard to educate viewers on the history between these two teams and, in combination with a video package we saw on Dynamite a couple of weeks ago, I think it was moderately effective.<\/p>\n<p>Apparently, \u201cRoppongi\u201d refers to an entertainment district in Tokyo filled with late night bars and clubs. That sounds cool, but we haven\u2019t seen much gregariousness from Trent and Romero on AEW television, and that\u2019s probably a crucial part of their identity which the non-NJPW crowd isn\u2019t seeing. In addition, Excalibur went a step too far by referring to Roppongi Vice as one of the greatest tag teams \u201cof the generation.\u201d That\u2019s simply not how they have been portrayed on AEW television, I\u2019m sorry.<\/p>\n<p>One more note about commentary: Ricky Starks mentioned how he stayed up late to watch the Bucks vs. Roppongi Vice in New Japan, thus opening himself up to a \u201cparent\u2019s permission\u201d joke from Jericho. That would be a nice, light-hearted moment in real life, but on television it just diminishes Starks\u2019s badass heel aura. There was probably a way to say exactly what he said tonight but still retain dignity as an upper mid-card heel. Just try not to lose touch with your character while you are on air, especially if your inner fandom is starting to creep up. This is one of many reasons I don\u2019t like seeing Starks on full-time commentary, or any young wrestler for that matter. It\u2019s just difficult to avoid slipping into your real-life self during awesome moments.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Post-Match Angle with Jay White: MISS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>NJPW star Jay White, who made a brief backstage appearance on Dynamite, snuck into the ring and flattened Beretta with a Switchblade. He is new to me, but I hear is supposed to a top-tier, marquee heel. If that\u2019s the case, was it wise to debut him in this rivalry? I\u2019m sure he has history with both teams, and there might be plans to work this into something long-term with Cole, but that requires you to put more effort into explaining the story.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also difficult for me to digest all of Excalibur\u2019s factoids about White\u2019s championship history and get emotionally invested in a matter of seconds, especially when he\u2019s attacking someone who hasn\u2019t even come close to winning a championship in AEW. Even if you are one of those die-hard fans who has followed White since his independent days, wouldn\u2019t you want something a bit more compelling than this? Doesn\u2019t he deserve a bit more pizzaz for his first appearance? I understand the deal was solidified pretty late, but if that\u2019s the case, save White\u2019s arena appearance for when you have time to think through his presentation.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-810446401\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>To make things worse, later in the show, Excalibur announced that Jay White will be wrestling next week on Rampage. This was sandwiched in between a bunch of other announcements for next week\u2019s happenings. Shouldn\u2019t Jay White\u2019s first AEW match be presented as a bigger deal?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ricky Starks Promo: IT HAPPENED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m sure there is superstar potential in Starks, but he tends to feed some intangible \u201cextra\u201d mannerisms into his promos that make them come across less compelling.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bryan Danielson Backstage Interview: HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Bryan made good case differentiating his offer to Moxley from Punk\u2019s last week. Lee Moriarty and Matt Sydal came to inquire about the potential faction he wanted to form. While Sydal started the talking, Moriarty spoke up for himself afterward, and Danielson was great in challenging him to prove himself. Superb work from everyone.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Britt Baker defeated Robyn Renegade: MINOR HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Typical lengthy, semi-competitive AEW squash that ran through a commercial break. It was fine for what it was. Would have been better if the commentators leaned more into the fact that Renegade is one of Rosa\u2019s trainees, and if Baker behaved more like she was trying to get into Rosa\u2019s head by tormenting her prot\u00e9g\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Post-Match Angle: MINOR HIT<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"pwtor-2190569109\" class=\"pwtor-content-1 pwtor-entity-placement\"><!-- Tag ID: pwtorchcom_test_300x600 -->\r\n<div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __300x600\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x600\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>After the match, Baker applied the lockjaw on Renegade, but Rosa ran out for the save. She was promptly beaten down by Baker\u2019s friends. They teased some dissension in the faction, but it cooled down quickly.<\/p>\n<p>The offense in this brawl was weak, but it\u2019s good to see Rosa doing more than just yelling into a camera in between her in-arena appearances. I want to see her get Steve Austin-like treatment. Find ways to make Baker\u2019s life increasingly more hellish every week or biweekly until the eventual showdown. Be more ruthless in building up her star power.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Leyla Hirsch-Kris Statlander Video Promo: HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hirsch came across \u201clegit,\u201d no pun intended, while Statlander still has to work on the genuineness of her promos. Nonetheless, this was a good verbal battle to keep things moving along. We got some insight into Leyla\u2019s backstory in orphanages, which was compelling to hear.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hook defeated Blake Li: HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This was on the higher end of what are typically good Hook squash matches. Great, crisp offense, and the Samoa Joe-like \u201cwalk\u201d away from a diving opponent is pure gold.<\/p>\n<p>Given AEW\u2019s roster depth, I\u2019m okay with him tangoing with QT Marshall\u2019s goons for now. We can complain about the dissonance between his babyface aura and association with heel Team Taz later.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Main Event Promo: HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I could nit-pick some aspects of this, but it was on the higher end of Rampage main event promos. Good work from Gunn, Christian, and Jungle Boy. You can tell JB is putting some demonstrable effort into planning his promos, and while the delivery isn\u2019t always good, his floor is much higher.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jurassic Express defeated Gunn Club to retain the AEW Tag-Team Championships: HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Good match between two young, athletic tag teams. This was probably Gunn Club\u2019s biggest match, and I thought they did well. However, there\u2019s nothing special about them to warrant further television time in the immediate future. I\u2019d rather see AEW try to build up some of their minority talents instead, which will really help to grow their audience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Commentary: MINOR HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Apart from the opening match, the commentary was fine. However, I would have preferred if Jericho sat out this week. After having an emotionally compelling angle with friends on Dynamite, it\u2019s a good idea for a babyface to sell \u201cneeding some space\u201d for a night. Yes, I know he\u2019s probably turning heel again, but needing a while to reflect in isolation can fit right in with the descent to darkness.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overall Show: MILD HIT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t care about how smartly AEW presents Jay White, this was a good show.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>CATCH-UP:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2022\/02\/12\/2-11-aew-rampage-tv-report-moynahans-report-on-roppongi-vice-vs-young-bucks-jurassic-express-vs-gunn-club-plus-hook-baker\/\">2\/11 AEW RAMPAGE TV REPORT: Moynahan\u2019s report on Roppongi Vice vs. Young Bucks, Jurassic Express vs. Gunn Club, plus Hook, Baker<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-1359717936\"><div id=\"pwtor-2723381885\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>The Young Bucks defeated Roppongi Vice: HIT Good, \u201ctraditional\u201d Young Bucks match. The commentators tried hard to educate viewers on the history between these two teams and, in combination with a video package we saw <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2022\/02\/13\/aew-rampage-hits-misses-2-11-aew-misses-with-jay-white-presentation-bucks-shine-with-traditional-match-more\/\" title=\"AEW RAMPAGE HITS &#038; MISSES 2\/11: AEW misses with Jay White presentation, Bucks shine with traditional match, more\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":103045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,28,27],"tags":[6121,6558,6120],"class_list":["post-133147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opnionandanalysis","category-specialists_hitsandmisses","category-specialists","tag-aew","tag-aew-rampage","tag-all-elite-wrestling"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2020\/08\/AEWDailysPlace_3x2_600.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=133147"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133147\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":133148,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/133147\/revisions\/133148"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103045"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=133147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=133147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=133147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}