Happy holidays, folks. All Elite Wrestling delivered an action-packed show with the December 22 episode of AEW Rampage.
Tonight, Orange Cassidy will defend his AEW International Championship against Rocky Romero. This match came about when Romero expressed that he wanted to put international gold around his waist again, and Cassidy wasted little time in picking up on Romero’s hint. Renee Paquette then confirmed the bout was set.
Elsewhere in the night, The Hardys will take on The Kingdom, we’ll hear from Kris Statlander, and the AAA Mega Championship will be put on the line as El Hijo del Vikingo takes on Black Taurus. Finally, Skye Blue will take on Queen Aminata.
The results are as follows:
Match 1: Orange Cassidy defeats Rockey Romero via pinfall
OC retained his AEW International Championship in a big win, but nearly lost after being hit with Strong Zero, an homage to Trent Beretta, who appeared at ringside to try and distract Cassidy. Despite this, Cassidy was able to hit the Orange Punch and Beach Break for the pin and win.
Backstage segment: Kris Statlander
Statlander says things are good between her and Willow Nightingale now, but Stokely Hathaway appeared and quickly tried to start things. Hathaway said that Willow had been going around and saying she carried Kris to a win last week, and that he wants Statlander to finally realize she doesn’t need Nightingale.
Match 2: The Kingdom defeat The Hardys via pinfall
In a relatively quick match, The Kingdom walked out with a win after Matt Taven rolled up Matt Hardy while Hardy was arguing with the referee after trying to grab a chair.
Backstage segment: Ruby Soho
Soho said that she hasn’t spoken to Saraya since she lost to Riho this week on AEW Dynamite. Angelo Parker appeared and asked Ruby out for a drink, to which Saraya quickly interrupted and said that Ruby needs her, and if Parker is along for the ride, then so be it. Once Soho left, though, Saraya quickly berated Parker, threatening him to never try and take Ruby away.
Match 3: Skye Blue defeats Queen Aminata via submission
Another quick match, this one ended with Blue forcing Aminata to tap out to the Dragon Sleeper.
Match 4: El Hijo del Vikingo defeats Black Taurus via pinfall
Vikingo ended the night with a big win to retain his AAA Mega Championship. Toward the end of the match, it was Vikingo who would come out on top, after somehow kicking out of a huge powerbomb from Taurus. After hitting a running knee to the back of Taurus, Vikingo then hit the 630 senton for the pin and win.
