Cody vs. Dustin Rhodes

[10.0] "There's probably way better matches that I've given a 10 but everything surrounding this and the post-match segment brings it all together. An exceptional match between these two and the best of their careers. The ability of them to turn a crowd that was fully behind Cody to one that was desperate to see Dustin win has to be commended. Also SO MUCH BLOOD"

[10.0] "Really emotional match, definitely the best match of Cody's career. Dustin bleeds so. much during this match, it's fucking absurd."

[10.0] "The match that helped AEW become the official alternative company to the WWE. Top 2 brother vs brother match. This match speaks for itself. The atmosphere was electric. To Cody flipping the dynamics of the match to work heel after realizing what he was in for after Dustin's early flurry of offence in the beginning stages of the match, showing that he still had it. To the little heel antics Cody was doing just to win this match. To Dustin's performance as an underdog babyface, his selling was absurd here. The symbolism of the blood that was shed from Dustin being all over Cody, and the symbolism of what that represents since they are blood brothers. The emotional magnitude this match had on me when I watched it for the first time is something I wish I were able to witness when this match took place in 2019. After their match went totally wrong in WWE, they were able to make up for it in a match that still stands the test of time in AEW. What makes this match even more special is what took place after the match. The emotions, man, the emotions. Wrestling is at its best when it makes you feel. This was one of those moments. A true masterpiece. One of the greatest matches of all time and one of the greatest matches in AEW history. *****"

[10.0] "I think upon rewatch the only thing I can say is how did I give this match an 8? This is the best AEW match ever, and given how good this company is in terms of in ring consistency, says a lot."

[7.0] "I didn't love this one as much as everyone else seems to, but its still far from bad. Some great moments and a fuckton of blood, like really a LOT of blood. It becomes a bit uncomfortable at times, but man the final stretch and the post match moment are outstanding and make up for some of the shortcomings."

[8.0] "I rated this once before less than positively, but I liked it a lot more upon the rewatch within the context of the entire show. It's a complete departure from anything else on the show, and it was a really great match. My reason for not rating it higher is because this larger story at play feels more implied than spoken. Both characters actually motivations leading up to the match were really jumbled and moments like Cody destroying the Triple H cuck chair and Brandi attacking Dustin made it feel less connected to the emotional subtext. Even still, Dustin blowing a gusher and selling his extreme exhaustion by the end were fantastic and, despite entering the match seemingly in the opposite roles, Cody and Dustin are at their best as a douchey bully heel and scrappy underdog respectively."

[10.0] "Obligé de mettre 10. Match totalement émotionnel avec un bon storytelling et de la violence aussi. Le ring avait changé de couleur à la fin du match. Et incroyable post match aussi. Dusty devait être fier de là haut !"

[8.0] "There's no denying how good this match was. However there are a few pitfalls that make things less than perfect for me. Brandi's involvement was unnecessary. The amount of time being wasted just for Dustin to blade himself on the outside felt incredibly contrived and wow the amount of blood was absurd. It was fairly simplistic storytelling with Cody acting heel against his older brother. It's ironic that his first proper match in AEW he acted heel despite never wanting to be a heel in AEW. There was a lot of emotion and despite the simple storytelling I actually really liked the variety of moves. There was clear effort of progression to do more and more to take one another done. It was a great match no doubt but not a 10/10."

[7.0] "I know I am going against the general consensus with this rating, but if I judge the match purely on the in-ring action, I found it a little slow and lacking long stretches of uninterrupted wrestling. There is no denying the emotional weight of the match, the powerful post-match moment, or the incredible camera shots and visuals, but I see those as separate from the in-ring wrestling itself. I also did not think Brandi Rhodes involvement was necessary or that it added much. As for the blood, it certainly gives the match an epic feel, but I just did not buy it. It felt excessive for the spot that supposedly caused it, and that probably affected my rating more than anything else. Even so, they do not really do anything wrong. They are both excellent wrestlers, everything they do is well executed, they know how to control the pacing, and they have the crowd in the palm of their hand. In the end, whether I fully connected with it or not, they created one of the company's most iconic matches."

[7.0] "This was the first AEW match i watched and wow what an intro to the company. Brother Vs Brother matches are always top notch(unless your last name is Uso) and this was no exception. Just a brutal battle between these two. 7"

[10.0] "My first AEW match I've ever watched. What an absolute fucking banger this match is. From the violence, to the storytelling, simply perfect."

[10.0] "This was the first-ever AEW match I watched (damn, was 2019 really 7 years ago? ) back when I was a WWE stan, and let me just say, I was very angry about it. Not because it was from another promotion, and not because it was bad, but because it was SO FREAKING GOOD that I just had to acknowledge WWE had a legitimate competitor. I originally saw this on a YouTube video in the form of a music-backed highlight reel. The highlights alone were so incredible that I just had to scour the internet to find the full match. I've seen this match about 4 times now, and each time it stays a 10/10 for me. I don't think it's held up so high for me because of nostalgia either; it's honestly just a freaking awesome match. The in-ring quality, the insane amount of blood Dustin had on his face (I mean VERY high--he was bleeding so much that I thought he might legitimately bleed out), and the storytelling. OH...MY...GOD...the storytelling was not only one of the best AEW has produced, but one of the best in wrestling history. And the ending will literally bring a tear to your eye, it's so heartwarming. Go watch the match-- there's a reason it's so highly praised."

[10.0] "This will go down as one of the greatest matches of double or nothing, AEW and both of those men's careers. The emotional weight of the match already made me view it highly but the in-ring and post match promo made this undoubtedly a 10/10"

[10.0] "I just watched this match and my goodness, this match was crazy. Just two brothers fighting it out a showing everyone that they can put on a show. I was really honestly kinda surprised that this wasn't the main event, because it was so awesome and emotional. The blood and just brutality of the match was also just out of this world. We even had a little comedy with Dustin belting Cody. So overall, really fun, emotional, and awesome match. [*****]"

[10.0] "Holy shit. Well, this has to be the best family match-up there has ever been in wrestling. A perfectly paced, bloody, physical and personal match-up that defines the Rhodes family. Dustin, on his way out, Cody, on his way in to be the industry's top star. Just unreal. Wish I watched this at the time. Fantastic."

[10.0] "I freaking love this match. this battle between brothers is incredible, the crowd loves it and is pure. Is the best match of this wrestlers because is something unique, this type of chemistry is only between this type of bonds. A match with brothers is a simple formula but really difficult to have this level. Cody and Dsutin puts a banger and a beautiful memorial to his passed Father, the post match is absolutely good, i watch that moment a hundred times and i want to cry everytime. One of the best matches in AEW History. *****"

[8.0] "Never seen this one before. And the match is good, like really good, but that's not why people like it so much. And it's not what matters."

[10.0] "The best brother vs brother of all time, easily. Isn't an easy task to fight Bret Hart v Owen Hart and also Bret Hart v Owen Hart (lol) but they did. I am pretty sure that if Dusty was alive when they made that wrestling match, he would be so fucking proud of their sons, they completelly understood what is the meaning of pro wrestling here. And, obviously, whatever is the place Dusty is currently is, he watched and smile, proud of his sons. Wrestling isn't about fleshy big beauty moves, isn't about strikes, flippy shit, chain lock, shoot style, that shit is useless, boys. Wrestling is about emotion. Storytelling is the arsenal that you use to itensify the level of your match, the background, everything matters. Right here, is some of the most important underground ever, first time ever AEW did an PPV, their show up to an live crowd, how it would be it was an big ? for all of them. I can imagine the heavy pressure Dustin Rhodes was getting into this match. Someone that always spend his entire career with stinker bookers giving him stinker gimmicks, now got blessed with an opportunity to perform an single match with his brother in a good lenght. On paper, dope. On reality, even better. Yeah, there was a few botches, but wouldn't be a great match without them. Actually, people get a lot more attention for botches than they should, I already saw many times a match getting better due to a botch. If a botch end up with injury, yeah, it sucks, but it happens. They're here to sacrifice their bodies anyway, now moving back. Dustin Rhodes made the fucking bleeding of his life. That goes head to head with Santito and John Cena for one of the best bladejobs of all time. The callouts for Dusty was awesome, their chemistry is unreal and it is truly an all timer experience. They would never be able to perform at such an high level like they did here, and it is not their fault. Most of the wrestlers never had that performance before at their lifes. I feel happy for Dustin and for Cody. That was the match Cody gave all the F bombs he wanted for the attitude era and that was the moment everybody looked back at Dustin Rhodes' career and understood that he is a fucking big deal. The better Rhodes, for me. That was just insane. This is a FUCKING five stars match for me and I will stand up for them each time I could. You don't feel anything with this match? Eh, maybe you don't have an brother."

[10.0] "Bathing in the blood of your brother. Reverse Cain and Abel. He doesn't want to be there but is willing to be slaughtered like a pig so you can be happy. What a way to make your papa proud, baby. Kinda weak vertebreaker but that's the only real issue. Historic, emotional, cinematic masterpiece of a match. I wish it went longer, "fight forever" kinda shit. [9.75]"

[10.0] "Unbelievable. One of the most emotionally driven matches I have ever seen. I'm not usually a big fan of blood in wrestling matches, but it was absolutely warranted for this match and elevated it to the next level. Cody is expectedly great, but Dustin does some things that are so shocking for a 50-year-old. The blade job is one thing, but then he hits one of the cleanest code reds ever, good god. I genuinely believe this match is a perfect example of pro wrestling at its best. Maybe not the highest workrate or anything, but the in-ring storytelling in this match is top-tier."

[10.0] "This match is truly incredible to me. Although in terms of in ring quality, I may only have this at about an 8, theres more than that to pro wrestling. The story here is that strong to make this match next level good. Looked at fondly as time goes on and a very memorable match. *****"

[8.0] "I have just watched this for the first time. Intense brother vs brother action with plenty of heart and emotion throughout. Very very good"

[10.0] "Brother vs. Brother. Incredible. This match had such great storytelling that it's remembered as AEW's first major storyline. That said, the whole Triple H throne thing has aged really poorly after everything that happened years later. Well, it doesn't really matter that much. The match was great; you could really feel the emotion from both of them, and that's because they executed it so well. It wasn't exactly hard to top that awful brothers' match from 2015, either."

[9.0] "This was an amazing match. It may have been AEW's best match in the company's first year. I know there are some people that reviewed this match that gave it five stars - like Dave Meltzer - and I didn't do that. It's not like I am knocking the match by *only* going 4.5 stars for it. To me, it just didn't reach the level where I would call it a five-star match. I still stand by that rating. It's interesting that Cody was the heelish one in the match because in AEW's first year it could be argued that Cody was the best babyface wrestler in the company. The story of this match was really cool with Dustin getting cut open, doing a massive blade job and then coming back to nearly win the match even when his face was full of blood. The crowd was so hot too. It's an outstanding match worth checking out if you've never seen it."

[9.0] "The blade was absolutely insane on a 50-year-old Dustin Rhodes. The Cody psychology was really well done from start to finish. I just thought Dustin's last push was unrealistic with the amount of blood he lost."

"8.0 This was a highly physical match marked by real intensity, and it's remarkable how Dustin Rhodes' offense has grown more nuanced and compelling than it was during his so-called prime--something almost unheard of in wrestling. By the end, Dustin was drenched in blood, only heightening the drama and the crowd's investment. His veteran creativity and willingness to lean into the brutality elevated the entire bout. Overall, a strong and engaging match that showcased just how timeless Rhodes' in-ring craft has become."

[9.0] "Great psychology behind the blade job and interesting to see a heel Cody in his AEW debut. DDP bringing Brandi to the back was hilarious. The spanking spot was a bit much, but it was a bump in the road for the drama they were able to conjure in the latter half of this thing. This is a match that had to grow on me in order to appreciate it much more. [****.5]"

[9.0] "A bloodied brother vs brother match that may be my favorite of its kind I have seen. This is probably the first match of both mens career that actually let them truly show what they are both capable of, especially Dustin Rhodes. 8.5/10"

[10.0] "A legit 10/10 and I can't think of a better match to draw people in on the first AEW show ever. The story tells itself and goes so deep. It's crazy to consider how bad Stardust vs Goldust was yet how incredible this is. Really goes to show that sometimes it's out of the performer's hands if they're not given the right material to work with. Dustin had a blade job for the ages and what I love most is that you can genuinely feel how much that match meant to him. He wore that on his sleeve. Cody even busted out the vertabreaker for this one!"

[10.0] "This being on the first ever AEW show is insane, what a match. Props to Cody for having the balls to leave WWE and start his own journey, and his first match in AEW does not disappoint whatsoever. Him and Dustin give a heavy, emotional, bloody performance that never gets boring once. DDP carrying Brandi out of the arena was hilarious too. The spot on the turnbuckle was diabolical and Dustin literally whooping Cody's ass was super unexpected. A nice moment after the match too. (9.5/10)"

[10.0] "(5*) You know what, is this the best match in AEW history, this could possibly be it but i dont know it, what i do know is that this is one of the best sibling vs sibling matches i have ever witnessed. I was emotionally invested in this, one of the best storytelling matches i can ever think of, is this fast paced action packed, well no not really but its the story that brings this match its beauty."

[8.0] "This is a bit of a match of two halves, up until Brandi gets ejected the work and storytelling is just fine, but after that point and the Dustin Rhodes blade job, this is exceptional. The level of blood might be a bit excessive to some, it does get pretty gory, but it creates such tension and a real sense of violence between the two brothers. Seeing Cody slowly gain his humanity throughout the bout is really impressive and the moment after the match is brilliant. Cody got the win with a Cross Rhodes and while this was not a workrate classic it was so emotionally driven and powerful, especially in that second half. A very enjoyable watch, if imperfect."

[10.0] "The first 5 stars match of AEW. Incredible. Absolutely loved this match. It had so much drama. The in ring wrestling itself was very normal but the drama between the brothers made the match so emotional. From the video package to both bros hugging it out, absolute poetry."

[10.0] "This might be my favorite AEW match in their entire catalogue. The story telling the psychology, the face turn, the blood everything was perfect.."

[9.0] "Easy to take for granted at the time, but Cody's last match as a heel for 6 years now is fascinating to watch with the gift of hindsight. More than anything it is worth watching for the fact that they are brothers, and there is so much blood, and the crowd is so hot, and the constant cuts to the shocked faces looking on just makes it all the more dramatic. It is a real emotional war, but the post-match is still the best thing about it. Cody rolling out of the ring, taking no pleasure in victory, and then going back, Dustin falling into the corner, you expect a beating, and instead he turns babyface through the tears.The sons of the Dream reunite after laying it all on the line. And what a road (rhode? ) it has been since."

[10.0] "Such an emotional match. There were great promos leading up to this. The story was both simple and complex but told beautifully by Cody and Dustin. The irony isn't lost on me that for a company with a reputation for move heavy and flippy matches, that this was their first five star match. Great call backs and excellent blade job by Dustin. Being the oldest of four boys, this match hit different for me and will always be a favorite of mine from the AEW era."

[8.0] "[7, 5/10] - Iconic for many and I can see why. I was not there to experience it live and feel the full emotion in the moment, but watching it now it still touched me a bit. The storytelling and atmosphere were strong and both Cody and Dustin delivered a memorable performance, even if my personal connection to it is limited."

[7.0] "So this was a nice and emotional match between 2 brothers and also had a lot of history. However despite all this, this match in my opinion at least was carried by dustin's bleeding because otherwise it was not that great in ring work. I get that it was because of his age but a lot of dustin's work in the early part of the match was sloppy. At the same time he did some really good spots as well. Also Brandi felt strange, the match did not really need her but having her and her being sent early was also wierd. But in all fairness I think 7 is a good rating for this."

[7.0] "Solid action with near-flawless pacing, incredible drama, and atmosphere further elevated by the use of blood, making it a very compelling spectacle overall. It's close to a perfect match; however, there were some moments that felt slightly disjointed, and the action--albeit compelling and authentic--lacked any significant creativity."

[7.0] "It's a very good match, a true bloodbath where they really made us feel the drama, I just think there's some off moments that hold it back from being truly great. I can get Cody attacking his brother ruthlessly and still being able to walk out a face due to their mutual respect, I just think that having Brandi interfere was a weird choice, 3.75 stars"

[8.0] "I think this is my third time watching this. It is great. Watch it. I just have to comment on how terrible Alex is on commentary. This is a giant show and he sounds like the female non-athlete sideline reporter at a basketball game reading what they prepared. He doesn't even sound like he's in the same room."

[9.0] "This felt like the culmination of the Rhodes. A true final battle between the Rhodes brothers and the completion of a story 33 years in the making. These two put on a wrestling clinic in front of a red hot crowd and it's an almost perfect match besides the finish, which I found anticlimactic. Overall an incredible match."

[8.0] "An incredible match, especially in terms of storytelling. There's the obvious narrative of family ties, but it still needed to be sublimated with a performance to match. This was largely achieved, despite an in-ring level that wasn't the greatest. The emotions are present and the atmosphere extraordinary. In other words, there were plenty of reasons to remember this match. In-ring quality: 3.25/4. Stakes: 1.25/2. Justification: 1/1. Place on the card: 1/1. Suspense: 1/1. Bonus/malus: none. Total: 8.5/10. Match seen on AEW Plus."

[9.0] "There were a couple of awkward moments but overall this is a fantastic match! Telling the story in the ring is the way wrestling is supposed to be. I'll always remember a comment on Reddit, (that was supported), that said "it doesn't matter what happens between the ropes". If you think like that, watch Big Brother or Jersey Shore instead."

[9.0] "From a purely in ring perspective, this can't match the likes of Omega v Okada, Omega v Ospreay, or Danielson v Strickland, but the incredible use of psychology and in ring story telling make this an incredible match that I would recommend to any and all professional wrestling fans. The post match promo from Cody never ceases to make me shed a tear. Thank you Dusty, fly high "The American Dream""

[10.0] "***** (10/10) All Rhodes' roads led to this road. The son of a son of a plumber and the son of a son of a plumber's brother. Goldust vs. Stardust... Makes me think back to a standard made by the two in-ring geniuses of Owen and Bret Hart. Many brothers who entered the ring in a brother's war have failed where Hitman and Rocket bloomed and thrived. But not Dusty's boys. An indirect stick into WWE's no-blade policy with Dustin bleeding buckets over Cody's sweat. I was beginning to think he might've gone a bit too deep in the job, but there have been worst gigs in the business' history, and his battle with little brother ignited a career Renaissance for the artist formerly known as Goldust. Two eras going to war for a battle of generational supremacy. The Natural against the American Nightmare. A dream realized by the ghost of the American Dream. Oh, you know Dusty was smiling down from heaven."

[9.0] "I am incredibly low on Cody Rhodes but him and Dustin pull off one hell of a match. From beginning to end they work an incredibly (forgive me for the use of this word) psychological match. Dustin really is one of the most underappreciated wrestlers ever and Cody actually showed out here which surprised me because he is generally so bland and soulless. One of my fave AEW matches ever."

[10.0] "Wow, just wow. This was bloody war between two brothers. This was also just a pure wrestling match with amazing drama to it. Dustin was great here, giving one of his best performances in years. Just a great match with an emotional feel to it."

[9.0] "How the hell does Dustin Rhodes have so much blood in him? He covers the ring , himself and another person in blood and didn't pass out. Also, his outfit is so sick."

[10.0] "WWE should of let this happen at mania 31 it wouldnt of been as good but man this was a classic cody and dustin go so well together, the blood the smashing throne, cody trying to end the attitude era. the feelings in this match it was just so good and then they end up teaming vs the bucks. just a great match"