AEW Double or Nothing kicked off with an awesome match between Hangman Adam Page and Brian Cage. With the FTW Champion beating Page in their first match, it looked like another easy night for Team Taz. However, there was trouble in Paradise for the faction at the PPV.
Hangman Adam Page triumphs in brutal war
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Page and Brian Cage are big men who can move like cruiserweights. This match perfectly reflected that notion as they tried to out-wrestle, outsmart and outmanoeuvre each other on this special night. Cage pulled out his signature big bombs while Page relied on his signature crowd-popping offence.
Page walked out to a huge pop from the Jacksonville crowd as they serenaded him with ‘Cowboy Sh*t’ chants. Cage played the obvious heel in this match and proved he had Hangman’s number. From a brilliant F5 from the top rope and even a superplex from the ring to the ramp, Cage showcased his power.
Incredible action between @MrGMSI_BCage & @theAdamPage to kickoff #AEWDoN! pic.twitter.com/544oq7qZeW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 31, 2021
However, Page triumphed in this wonderful battle after Cage refused to revert to his heel ways. Team Taz members Hook and Ricky Starks walked out; Taz’s son distracted the referee while Starks handed Cage the FTW belt. Instead of using it to his advantage, Cage tossed it back and argued with Hook.
This gave Hangman the opening to hit a match-winning Buckshot Lariat and pick up a huge win at Double or Nothing.
Watch This Story: Iconic Moments from AEW Double or Nothing
Is Brian Cage out of Team Taz?
The dissension in Team Taz has been the focal point of Dynamite for weeks. At a pre-PPV conference, Cage even expressed his desire to leave Team Taz, which meant he’d even relinquish the FTW Title. His tossing of the championship reflects that angle and the match result more or less confirms his exit.
One can only wonder what this means for both parties and whether Cage feuds with his former faction members. A rivalry with Ricky Starks would elevate the youngster’s career, and Cage could be a great dance partner for Hook to make his AEW debut.
As of Double or Nothing, Team Taz’s distraction cost Cage a giant win that would’ve probably made him the #1 contender for the AEW World Championship. With this result, we might see Hangman Page get the coveted title shot ahead of Cage, despite looking more impressive tonight.
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