AEW Full Gear 2024: 3 Things We Hated And Three Things We Loved
Welcome to Wrestling Inc.’s annual review of AEW Full Gear, the event where underdogs fight for the soul of All Elite Wrestling—featuring everything from dramatic main events to the spectacle of The Rizzler. This review is all about opinion, exploring the highs and lows that left the strongest impressions, from a standout TBS title match to chaotic moments that could have used some breathing room. Let’s break down three things we loved and three we didn’t about AEW Full Gear 2024.
Loved: Zero Hour Brings the Boom
Who would’ve thought that the standout moment of AEW Full Gear 2024 would come from a celebrity pre-show match? Featuring TikTok-famous kids and QT Marshall, this bout delivered a delightful surprise. Despite its absurd premise, the match was perfectly executed, blending simple storytelling with a crowd-pleasing vibe. QT Marshall shone as the heel, while Big Boom AJ and his spear-tossing kid added charm.
The slower pace and clear narrative brought an old-school wrestling feel, resonating strongly with the audience. While this match didn’t reinvent the wheel, it offered a nostalgic reminder of wrestling’s timeless appeal. It wasn’t about being on the main card; it was about nailing the basics—and it did just that.
Hated: Overstuffed Card Left No Room to Breathe
AEW’s habit of cramming everything and everyone onto a single PPV reared its head again. The result? Matches blurred together, character arcs got lost, and the show felt overwhelming. From grudge matches blending into a haze of near-falls to chaotic multi-man bouts, Full Gear 2024 lacked cohesion.
The sheer quantity diluted the quality. Even good matches struggled to shine amidst the overcrowding. The pacing didn’t allow fans—or wrestlers—the time to savor big moments. While AEW’s intent to feature its roster is admirable, less can truly be more, especially when it comes to creating a memorable event.
Loved: Kris Statlander Pushes Mercedes Mone to the Limit
Kris Statlander and Mercedes Mone delivered one of the night’s most gripping matches, marking the longest women’s match in AEW’s history. This milestone showcased top-tier women’s wrestling in a match filled with emotion, near-falls, and compelling storytelling. Mone’s frustration at Statlander’s resilience added depth, keeping fans on edge until the final bell.
The clean, distraction-free match allowed both performers to shine, highlighting Statlander’s grit and Mone’s skill. While Statlander fell short this time, her performance was a standout moment, leaving fans eager for a rematch. For AEW, this match set a high bar for the future of its women’s division.
Hated: Flat Champagne Celebration
The much-anticipated champagne celebration fizzled out, feeling lackluster and underwhelming. While the betrayal of Mariah May by her partner Mina Shirakawa provided some drama, the segment lacked the star power of “Timeless” Toni Storm. Fans, primed for a Storm appearance after her cryptic media remarks, were left disappointed.
While Shirakawa’s spear and fiery retaliation against May were memorable, the absence of surprises or significant developments made the segment feel like a missed opportunity. AEW’s women’s division has the talent but needs better execution in moments like these to fully capitalize on its potential.
Loved: AEW Originals Finally Shine
AEW Full Gear 2024 gave a much-needed spotlight to its homegrown talent. Private Party successfully defended their titles in a thrilling four-way match, reaffirming their place as top contenders in the tag division. Meanwhile, Daniel Garcia dethroned Jack Perry for the TNT Championship, capping off a fiery rivalry and solidifying his status as a breakout star.
These victories signaled a renewed focus on AEW Originals, balancing veteran presence with fresh talent. Heading into 2025, AEW has the chance to further establish its younger stars as leaders of the next generation, building momentum for the company’s future.
Hated: Over-the-Top Closing Angle
AEW Full Gear’s closing moments exemplified excessive storytelling, cramming too many elements into an already packed show. After Jon Moxley retained his title against Orange Cassidy—thanks to ample interference—a cascade of events unfolded: Adam Page appeared, followed by Christian Cage, Jay White, and eventually Darby Allin, who crashed into a car to close the show
The convoluted sequence raised more questions than answers. Why would Page, fresh off a loss, confront Moxley? Why hasn’t Cage cashed in his contract? What was Allin’s goal with the car crash? The chaos detracted from what could have been a simpler, stronger finish, leaving fans more puzzled than satisfied.
Final Thoughts
AEW Full Gear 2024 had its highs—emotional matches, standout performances, and moments that honored its homegrown talent. But the event’s overstuffed pacing and occasionally excessive storytelling left room for improvement. With Worlds End on the horizon, AEW has a chance to learn from this outing and deliver a more focused, cohesive show.
