All Of AEW’s Anarchy In The Arena Matches, Revisited

The inaugural Anarchy In The Arena match took place at Double Or Nothing 2022, following on from the previous two years of ‘Stadium Stampede’. With AEW no longer taking place exclusively from Jacksonville with easy access to a stadium following the end of the pandemic, a change in concept was needed, prompting the birth of Anarchy In The Arena. The Jericho Appreciation Society took on Blackpool Combat Club and friends in a match that exceeded all expectations, proving to be a match filled with fun, violence, and more.

‘Wild Thing’ played out during the first portion of this match - with a musical number becoming a staple of this stipulation, and something that allowed it to stand out from other multi-man matches in pro wrestling. Brawling took place all around the arena, with nearly everyone drenched in blood by the end of the bout. Many fans will remember the stunning visual of Eddie Kingston marching down to the ring with a jerry can of gasoline in an attempt to set his opponents on fire, only to be thwarted by fellow teammate Bryan Danielson, who was ultimately choked out to lose the battle. This match was considered a five-star classic and an absolute spectacle.

The Elite Vs. Blackpool Combat Club

AEW Double Or Nothing 2023

A heelish and more violent version of the Blackpool Combat Club emerged in 2023, prompting the original Elite to re-form, as ‘Hangman’ Adam Page made amends with Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks. Two of AEW’s most notable factions of all time stepped up to one another to do battle in Anarchy In The Arena. It didn’t receive the roaring plaudits of the first match, with some messier moments, a questionable dress code from the live band singing Wild Thing, and some overbooked storytelling beats, but for the most part it lived up to the fun and wild side that this match is now renowned for.

Exploding superkicks, superhero references, beautiful wrestling from the likes of Danielson, Omega & Page, and a big focus on Wheeler Yuta to help put him over, were all great though, as the match still delivered and once again was handed a five-star rating from WON. Konosuke Takeshita turned heel at the end of the match, handing the BCC the victory as he sought to take out Omega and align with the dastardly Don Callis.

The Elite Vs. FTR, Darby Allin & Bryan Danielson

AEW Double Or Nothing 2024

A heel Elite tried to take over AEW in 2024, prompting a team of AEW’s finest to stand up to them for the Anarchy In The Arena match at Double Or Nothing . With no Jon Moxley in attendance, it was the turn of Bryan Danielson’s ‘The Final Countdown’ to play over the speakers, which was as fun as ‘Wild Thing’ for the audience. Those in the match just so happened to perfectly time a Darby Allin dive in the crowd with the chorus, which was a highlight. It featured plenty of chaos, though there were some more unique spots such as vehicular assault as Jack Perry crashed a bus into Darby Allin, and also a pay off to the teased fire spot two years prior.

Darby Allin would use a literal flamethrower, igniting Jack Perry in one of the most stunning visuals ever seen in AEW. It did feel a little over the top and performative at times during the bout, but it lived up to the Anarchy In The Arena billing. In the end, it was The Elite who managed to score the victory, thanks in part to hanging Darby Allin by his feet above the ring, making him a human pinata. This is regarded as the weakest Anarchy In The Arena to date, which is understandable given the high standards set prior.