Revolution 2026 Review

Revolution, AEW’s first PPV of 2026, continued the company’s streak of excellent events, but a few unscrupulous moments stick out on the show.

The Los Angeles crowd was treated to 13 matches, eight of which were championship contests. Headlining AEW’s first event to stream on MyAEW internationally was a battle of main characters. AEW Men’s World Champion MJF took on “Hangman” Adam Page in a Texas Deathmatch for the former’s title and the latter’s ability to challenge for said title. The second year in a row these two faced off on this show, MJF got his win back and defeated Page in an insane main-event brawl. Elsewhere on the card, we saw MOTY candidates, an All-Elite graphic and a questionable debut.

Zero Hour Matches

AEW usually stuffs their pre-shows with matches, and this one had three.

In the first match, Big Boom AJ and QT Marshall took on Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo of The Infantry/Shane Taylor Promotions. Costco Guy matches are benign, AJ is a good enough worker to perform well in the spurts AEW gives him. The other three are good workers and carried most of the match. Outside antics stole the match and made it an entertaining warm-up. The finishing sequence involving Wayne Brady, the Rizzler and a nasty spear by Big Justice was the highlight (shoutout to Shane Taylor for the sell). Boom & Doom won with a Doomsday Device to a surprising pop.

In the second, Willow Nightingale defended her TBS Championship against Lena Kross. It was the first of two matches between these two as they wrestled for the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championships later in the night. This felt a lot more like a Kross showcase match. Kross had a lot of offense, and Nightingale put over the former’s size and athleticism. These two hit each other hard; the chops, specifically, were brutal from both women. Nightingale pulled the win out with a roll-up, but Kross and Bayne attacked her after the match to soften her up for their tag match later.

The third and final pre-show match was the 21-man Blackjack Battle Royal for the AEW National Championship. The match broke into chaos immediately, with everyone brawling on the outside. Most things meshed together amid the chaos, although Komander’s rope walk was jaw-dropping (and helped things get somewhat on track). This was a fun and simple battle royal. It had some fun sequences and moved quicker than its 20+ minute run time would have you believe. “Jungle” Jack Perry became the new champion after last eliminating Ricochet; hopefully, their feud doesn’t extend any longer, it’s outstayed its welcome.

Final Grade: ** 3/4

FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) for the AEW Men’s World Tag Team Championship

AEW’s two greatest tag teams in its history, FTR and The Young Bucks, opened the PPV proper. The pre-match video package and The Young Bucks’ entrance focused on their connection with their children, who made the entrance with their proud fathers. The match started at maximum intensity. It wasn’t long before Matt was hit with a spike piledriver on the apron, and Nick started bleeding. These two teams have generational chemistry, and despite having faced each other many times, this match felt different. 

The strikes were heavier, and every move had more oomph to it than their other matches. The Bucks’ children added a sentimental touch when they cheered Matt and gave him the will to get back in the fight. During the match, Stokley Hathaway revealed he’s no longer injured and interfered with a Meltzer Driver attempt to give FTR the upper hand. Hathaway is a great third for FTR; he’s funny and plays a great conniving heel. After multiple near falls on Nick, including a one-count on an FTR-Trigger, The Young Bucks regained control and hit everything they had in their arsenal. An Avalanche Shatter Machine to Nick was finally enough for the three-count for FTR.

This was a great opener to the show, another classic between these two teams, and the post-match return of Cope & Cage sets up the champions’ next title defense. 

Final Grade: ****

Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir

Toni Storm took on Marina Shafir in a match where everyone else was banned from ringside. This feud’s been going on in some form for a year, and this is most likely their final encounter. Shafir, while still a little rough around the edges, has improved leaps and bounds over the past year. She shows much more charisma now, and her matriarchal character within the Death Riders suits her well. She’s also imrpoved in-ring, most notably her transitions between her strikes and grappling sequences are much smoother.

Storm was on the back foot for most of the match. Shafir punished Storm with her MMA-inspired offense, while Storm would find scrappy ways to regain momentum, including biting Shafir’s feet and breast. Storm broke out the Big Package for the win. Shafir put on her best solo performance to date and deserves more opportunities, either in the TBS title scene.

Double Standards

Post-match, AEW did one of the worst things it’s done in a long time. The debut of Ronda Rousey (or re-debut if you count her ROH match) will bring a lot of buzz and plaudits from mainstream outlets, but allowing someone on your show who’s also had to apologize for saying some absolutely horrendous shit just makes the shunning of Trey Miguel that much worse. 

People deserve criticism for their questionable words and actions, regardless of their status. People also deserve the chance to grow, change and become better people. Between this, “Hangman” Adam Page taking a photo with a sex pest, and Will Ospreay working with/praising one, AEW and its wrestlers seem to be shooting themselves in the foot right when the company is regaining the goodwill it lost through the CM Punk saga.

Final Grade: ** 3/4 for match quality, Dud for double standards

Jon Moxley vs Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW Continental Championship

Shafir and Rousey’s exit transitioned into Jon Moxley’s entrance. He and Takeshita battled in a match with no time limit after their previous match at Grand Slam Australia ended in a time limit draw. They fought for nearly 24 brutal minutes. Moxley worked over Takeshita’s left eye and knee, paying extra attention to the former. He ravaged Takeshita’s eye with pokes, elbows and other strikes. Eventually, Takeshita was cut open on his eyebrow like a prizefighter. Mox worked more heelish here, allowing Takeshita to show off his elite fighting spirit.

Takeshita might be the best in-ring wrestler on the planet, and Moxley is one of the most underrated. The suplex to strike sequence leading to Takeshita kicking out at one was fantastic. These two men had the Los Angeles crowd standing on their feet for the final portion of the match. Takeshita remained defiant in defeat, flipping Mox the bird before succumbing to a choke. Moxley showed his respect to Takeshita after the match. 

The crowd was somewhat deflated at the finish, not because of the quality, but because of the organic love the AEW fanbase has for Takeshita. That being said, Takeshita really should’ve won here, even if the plan is for him to eventually beat Kazuchika Okada for the AEW International Championship. Once AEW pulls the trigger on his turn and defection from the Don Callis Family, Takeshita will be one of the biggest babyfaces in the company. After the match, Will Ospreay made his return to AEW. He attacked the Death Riders to thunderous applause, reigniting his feud with the group.

Final Grade: ****

The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) vs. Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) for the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship

Before the match, we got an update on Nightingale from the trainer’s room. The Babes of Wrath cut a quick promo before heading off to their title defense. Nightingale came out selling the injured shoulder, which Bayne/Kross exploited to take her out of the match before it began. Cameron was alone, getting pummelled in the first portion of the match. Nightingale made the hot tag, taking out both of her opponents while selling the damage from earlier.

Nightingale tried to roll up Kross for the win as she did earlier in the night, but her injured shoulder prevented her from securing the win. Bayne and Kross regained the upper hand, hitting a double chokeslam for the win. The match served its purpose. Bayne earned a belt, and while it should be Ford standing next to her, Kross is an excellent replacement. Also, as popular and talented as Nightingale is, getting the tag belt off her will allow more women to get a spotlight.

Final Grade: ** 1/4

Swerve Strickland vs. Brody King

Swerve Strickland took on “No Kings Except” Brody King in a battle to figure out which one is the most dangerous man in AEW. The crowd was hot from the jump, standing on their feet before the match even began. King took the early momentum, but Swerve countered a Cannonball Senton into a House call to retake control. Part of me misses dancing Prince Nana, but he did a great job of heeling it up at ringside throughout the match. The two most dangerous men in AEW lived up to their reputation, using everything at their disposal to cause pain. They spent plenty of time outside, throwing each other into the apron, barricades, stairs and exposed concrete.

Swerve gave King a lot in this match, including a visual tap while in an illegal hold, to help cement the latter’s main event status. King matched Swerve’s excellent performance, and he has a natural connection with the AEW audience. Swerve hit a Vertebreaker on the exposed concrete and a Swerve Stomp in the ring for a one-count in the best moment of the match. Swerve finally put King down with a House Call to the back of the head. Post-match, Swerve attempted to stomp on King’s head on a cinderblock, but was thwarted by Kenny Omega. 

It was a beautifully violent performance from both men. 

Final Grade: **** 1/4

Thekla vs. Kris Statlander in a two out of three falls match for the AEW Women’s World Championship

Champion Thekla and challenger Kris Statlander fought their rubber match under two out of three falls rules. Before the match, AEW aired a well-produced vignette for “The Toxic Spider,” claiming she already took Statlander’s dignity and pride, and now she will take her soul. Statlander had control early, battering Thekla and forcing the latter to run in fear. Thekla would find cunning ways to gain the upper hand and stay on top with dirty tactics. She stole the first fall via rollup with assistance from the ropes, gloating afterwards. 

These two have pretty good chemistry together, and this was the best in their series of bouts. Statlander’s size and array of power moves are a match made in heaven with Thekla’s speed and selling. Thekla has charisma for days, and Statlander works as the intimidating force trying to bring Thekla down to earth. Statlander took the second fall after a Saturday Night Fever. Thekla clumsily stood up for the next fall, feigning being dazed to instigate a ref bump. She then took the ref’s belt, trying to mirror the whipping segment from Dynamite. Statlander turned the tables on Thekla, stealing the belt and whipping her instead for a visual three-count.

Statlander fought off the Sisters of Sin with the belt before the ref returned to get his belt. This was enough to set Thekla up with the Spear and multiple stomps to put Statlander away for good. It was a really good performance and the best women’s match of the night.

Final Grade: *** 3/4

The Don Callis Family (Kazuchika Okada, Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher vs. JetSpeed (Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight) & Místico for the AEW World Trios Championship

The Don Callis Family all-stars took on former champions JetSpeed with a new third, recent AEW signing Místico. Both teams came out in matching outfits. They looked great, and it added a nice visual touch to the match.

This was a really solid trios match featuring six of the most talented in-ring competitors AEW has available. Kevin Knight and Mark Davis were the standouts for their respective teams. Knight exudes charisma, and his twisting frog splash was jaw-dropping. Davis’ trajectory in AEW has stalled recently due to injury, but whenever he gets a spotlight, he reminds everyone how good a powerhouse he is. 

Místico and Okada squared off multiple times, teasing a future singles match for the latter’s AEW International Championship. “Speedball” Mike Bailey was a firecracker, and his portions with Kyle Fletcher were as stellar as their matches. The ending was a fast and fun sequence that saw Jet Speed and Místico crowned as the new trios champions.

After the match, as Místico’s theme was playing, AEW flashed his all elite graphic on the screen announcing his signing. While it wasn’t as powerful as it is in Arena Mexico, the crowd did their best to serenade Místico with his theme.

Final Grade: *** 1/2

Andrade El Ídolo vs. Bandido

Andrade El Ídolo took on ROH World Champion Bandido in a non-title battle of beloved luchadores. Both men have been on respective meteoric rises, and a win over the other would be massive. The two started slowly with a few grappling exchanges ending in a stalemate. The early portion of the match showed that these two are evenly matched despite the difference in experience and recognition. After one exchange ended with Andrade getting tranquillo on the middle rope, Bandido stole the former’s signature pants removal to thunderous applause and a knee to his face. After he regained the upper hand, Andrade returned the favor before continuing his selfie gimmick. 

The match continued in the ring with a nasty release German Suplex from Bandido that saw Andrade hit the back of his head on the bottom turnbuckle. Bandido worked over Andrade’s knee with a Stretch Muffler before going back to his head with an insane heel kick to a falling Andrade. Andrade countered a 21 Plex by landing on his feet and turned it into a spinning elbow. He would then hit Bandido with a second-rope DM for the win.

This was a fun match, nothing super special or elevating, but another good notch in both men’s catalog. Hopefully, neither gets lost in the shuffle of a crowded upper-midcard/main event scene.

Final Grade: *** 3/4

Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong vs. The Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors) in a tornado trios match

In the penultimate match, The Dogs continued their quest for blood against long-time foe Darby Allin and his partners from The Conglomeration, Roderick Strong and Orange Cassidy. The chaos started quickly, and as expected with the men involved, it got brutal fast. Clark Connors’ Big E-esque spear through the ropes to Allin was particularly brutal. The Dogs then tied one of the tag ropes around Allin’s neck and brutalised him. The Dogs kept control until Strong got a second wind. He fought back and used Cassidy as a battering ram in my personal favorite kind of spot. 

These teams moved a mile a minute and fit a lot into their relatively short 12-minute runtime. Allin keeps finding new and creative ways to harm himself, and Kidd is a good foil. Strong is always a treat in the ring, and his story with Cassidy is fun and should lead to a nice tag run for the two. The feud has run its course, though, and it’s time for The Dogs to enter the trios ranks and help re-establish that division.

Final Grade: *** 1/2

MJF vs. “Hangman” Adam Page in a Texas Deathmatch for the AEW Men’s World Championship

In the main event, MJF defended his AEW Men’s World Championship against “Hangman” Adam Page. If the latter loses, he will never challenge for the AEW Men’s World Championship ever again. Page came out with a trumpet player giving a live rendition of his theme, while MJF, arriving in Terry Funk-inspired gear, got a vignette showing him peeing on Page’s future grave.

The Good

The match was phenomenal. It was an all-out war between two of AEW’s best, with a feud/story reaching back to the beginning of AEW. The battle for AEW’s main character will never end. This felt like the end to a year-long blood feud, as it should, but Page and MJF fell like they’re destined to do this forever. MJF often doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s able to do and what he puts himself through in the ring. His mic work and somewhat light schedule (7 AEW matches and 9 total matches in 2026 so far) overshadow his skill.

The match started fast, with a funny paper-cut spot featuring a paper happy birthday card. Of all the spots in this aptly named deathmatch, this got the biggest reaction out of me. The match retained that animosity in its entirety. Page being consumed by his hatred for MJF to his detriment has underpinned their entire feud post-All-In, and it played a central role in this match. Page attaching both men at the neck via dog collars and careening MJF and himself off the stage accentuated that point.

The Bad

Page lost and is no longer able to challenge for the top prize in the AEW men’s division. While this isn’t as bad as when Cody Rhodes did the same thing all those years ago, there are still problems with siloing one of your most popular wrestlers away from the world title scene. The four other men’s singles titles, while a problem worth discussing elsewhere, take some of the sting off the loss. He can feud for one of those titles, or he can explore what it means to be without a title to chase. AEW just runs the risk of repeating the “Codyverse” cycle of Page and his stories feeling disconnected from the rest of AEW’s stories. 

The Ugly

This was a deathmatch in every sense of the word. 

Roughly 46 and a half minutes of brutality. If you’re not a fan of hardcore matches, this probably went way too far for you. It was a lot, even by AEW standards, which dip into the deathmatch territory sporadically. The syringe through Page’s cheek and all of the glass spots were particularly nasty. The finish with Page being hanged by the dog collar he attached to himself was a poetic and powerful image. It was also a lot. When Page did the same spot to Moxley at the most recent All-In, the latter tapped quickly.

This might’ve been the most violent match in AEW history and pushed the barriers of what a lot of mainstream fans are comfortable seeing. Although, as a deathmatch fan, I’ve seen much, MUCH worse.

Final Grade: **** 1/2

Final Thoughts

Revolution had a lot of high points. Multiple MOTY candidates, with Swerve/King and MJF/Page being my personal favorites of the night. The in-ring quality, as is typical of AEW PPVs, was top-tier. The worst matches of the night, the women’s tag and the zero hour matches, were all still solid showings and worthy of their spots. The only true low of the night won’t be an issue for the time being, thanks to the least needed fight in MMA history. 

The biggest issue of the night that I haven’t brought up yet: the length. I’m not one to complain about more wrestling; I’d rather get more wrestling/more show than less, especially on a PPV. This 13-match card, including the zero-hour matches, took five and a half hours. It’s a lot to digest, and some argue that 3-4 matches could’ve been put on Dynamite or Collision. 

Overall, though, it was another PPV success for AEW. 

Final Grade: ****