AEW Rampage Recap: Winter is Coming Special (Dec. 13, 2024)
On December 13, 2024, AEW Rampage took over the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO, delivering a thrilling Winter is Coming special that showcased a mix of high-stakes matches, musical entertainment, and the return of fan-favorite Toni Storm. With a lineup that included a meaty main event, a spirited performance from Harley Cameron, and a spotlight on Matt Cardona, the evening was packed with excitement for wrestling fans.
Commentary Team and Opening Match
The show kicked off with the familiar voices of Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Daddy Magic, and Chris Jericho providing commentary, while Justin Roberts handled ring announcing duties. The first match featured Bryan Keith taking on Matt Cardona, who has been making waves across various promotions. Cardona started strong, delivering a series of impactful strikes before Keith retaliated with a brutal uranage that shifted momentum. The match showcased Cardona’s resilience as he fought back, ultimately securing the victory with a jumping leg lariat. This win not only highlighted Cardona’s skills but also set the stage for his upcoming clash with Chris Jericho for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle.
Harley Cameron’s Musical Interlude
Before diving into the next match, fans were treated to a festive performance by Harley Cameron, who sang a holiday-themed rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas," cleverly incorporating AEW merchandise into the lyrics. This light-hearted segment added a fun and entertaining touch to the show, showcasing Cameron’s charisma and ability to engage the audience beyond the ring.
Toni Storm’s Return Match
The highly anticipated return of Toni Storm was next on the card as she faced Harley Cameron. Storm, who had been away from the ring, came back with a vengeance. The match started with Storm asserting her dominance, but Cameron fought back fiercely, displaying her tenacity. The action escalated as Storm executed a series of impressive moves, including a backbreaker and a piledriver, ultimately securing the win. Notably, Storm’s performance hinted at an intriguing storyline as she momentarily considered a "Timeless" pose, leaving fans curious about her character development moving forward.
Deonna Purrazzo’s Dominance
In another standout match, Deonna Purrazzo faced Shazza McKenzie. With Taya Valkyrie taking the night off, Purrazzo showcased her skills with a dominant performance. The Virtuosa displayed her technical prowess, finishing the match with a powerful armbar after a series of impactful moves, including a powerbomb and a shoulder tackle in the Tree of Woe. Purrazzo’s victory further solidified her position as a formidable competitor in the women’s division.
Building Hype for the Continental Classic
The show also featured a hype package for the upcoming Continental Classic match between Brody King and Komander, generating excitement for the tournament. The Callis Family segment highlighted Kyle Fletcher’s recent successes and his confidence heading into the tournament, setting the stage for his upcoming match against Mark Briscoe. This buildup not only showcased Fletcher’s talent but also teased potential conflicts within the division.
Main Event Showdown
The main event featured a tag team match with Konosuke Takeshita and Lance Archer facing off against Will Hobbs and Mark Davis. The match was a showcase of power and athleticism, with both teams exchanging heavy blows. The Callis Family’s strategy of isolating Davis created tension, leading to a dramatic hot tag to Hobbs. The action reached its peak with a Tower of Doom spot, showcasing the strength of all competitors involved. In a thrilling finish, Hobbs pinned Archer after a spinebuster, standing tall as the AEW International Champion. The post-match confrontation with Takeshita hinted at future rivalries and championship pursuits.
Overall Impressions
The December 13 episode of AEW Rampage delivered a solid mix of wrestling action and entertainment, earning a grade of B-. The show effectively balanced competitive matches with engaging segments, keeping the audience invested throughout. Toni Storm’s return was a highlight, demonstrating her readiness to reclaim her spot in the division. The main event showcased the powerhouses of AEW, with Will Hobbs emerging as a dominant force. Meanwhile, Matt Cardona’s spotlight served to build anticipation for his upcoming title match against Jericho, adding layers to the ongoing storylines.
As fans reflect on this special episode, they are left buzzing with excitement for what lies ahead in AEW, eager to see how these narratives unfold in the coming weeks. What were your favorite moments from Rampage? Who impressed you the most? The conversation continues as the wrestling world gears up for more thrilling action.
