It’s Friday night, and you know what that means, another episode of AEW Rampage.
On a night that saw the return of Tomohiro Ishi to AEW to take on Adam Cole and tensions continue to flare between Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter. The TBS champion Jade Cargill looked to go 30-0 facing off against Marina Shafir in the main event.
The Build
The build has been simple enough. Shafir wants the TBS title and the opportunity to shut Jade up. While Jade is looking to notch another victory on her undefeated streak and go 30-0.
The two have exchanged words over the last few weeks, and it all came to a head this week on Rampage.
The Match
I’m a sucker for a clash in styles. With Shafir’s submission striking-based offense clashing with Jade’s power-based offense, I knew we were in for a good match. Despite the criticism Shafir has faced in the last couple of weeks, the Moldovan MMA fighter showed what she was capable of.
Shafir started the match hot, trying to put away Jade quickly. However, the power of Jade got the best of her. From there, Jade dominated the match hitting a gorgeous Eye of The Storm and having an answer for every submission that Shafir pulled out.
While Shafir’s offense was minimal, she was still kept strong. A nasty table spot certainly helped. So too did some vicious roundhouses to Jade’s leg. As did the multiple close calls, with Shafir using her submission expertise and locking in an ankle lock in a last-ditch attempt to win the match.
Unfortunately, Shafir’s skills were not enough. Jade used brute force to escape the angle lock and hit the Jaded, continuing her undefeated streak in a solid end to this week’s Rampage.
The Aftermath
Watching this match, it’s clear that Jade occupies a position on the card, unlike anyone else. With clear heel tenancies, Jade’s natural charisma is getting a babyface response from the crowd. To the point where she is arguably one of the hottest female talents on the roster.
But, for me, a babyface turn isn’t on the cars for Jade. This socky persona is money and allows Jade to play to her strengths of cutting off a babyface with big power moves, showboating, and even using her own Baddies section. To take all this away, you would lose what makes Jade, Jade, and why fans have taken such a shine to her.
Who do you think should eventually unthrone Jade Cargill? Should AEW embrace the positive response and turn Jade face? And where does Marina Shafir go from here? Let us know what you think. We love hearing your thoughts.
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