The April 8 episode of AEW Rampage closed with Jon Moxley telling Wheeler Yuta “now the real work begins,” but both he and Yuta put in the work for the main event.
This one was a brawl, turned bloodbath, turned brawl again. Moxley busted Yuta up badly, as he started bleeding profusely. The Boston crowd chanted for Yuta, to fight forever and added in some “this is awesome” chants. Yuta surprisingly kicked out of a Paradigm Shift before Moxley locked in a bulldog choke, but Yuta didn’t quit. The latter trapped Mox in a rear-naked choke of his own before “The Purveyor of Violence” rolled through to hit some sharp elbows repeatedly. Mox them hit a Regal Knee and another Paradigm Shift, but Yuta still kicked out. In the end, Mox resorted to a sleeper hold, and Yuta passed out.
Seemingly the only way @JonMoxley could take out a defiant @WheelerYuta is by choking him unconscious in this absolute WAR on #AEWRampage on @tntdrama right now! pic.twitter.com/lDRw1qtKQF
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 9, 2022
Post-match, Bryan Danielson and William Regal walk down to the ring. After a staredown and chants for “let him in,” Regal offered Yuta a hand, and he shook it.
The ultimate sign of respect extended to @WheelerYuta by @RealKingRegal and the #BlackpoolCombatClub! An insane main event to cap off an incredible night of action on #AEWRampage on @tntdrama tonight! pic.twitter.com/0nJEWc0eoH
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 9, 2022
In recent weeks, Yuta has expressed his interest in joining the group, and he gradually gained their respect in his matches against Moxley and Danielson. Last week, Regal chopped him when he went for a handshake because he hadn’t earned the trio’s respect yet. Still, Regal has spoken highly of Yuta on commentary, and if this handshake is any indication, the ROH Pure Champion has earned the respect of the Blackpool Combat Club.
