[9.0] "A proper gimmicky match, but still leans into the "oh god, what is Darby going to do tonight" sense of things. Obviously it's all building up to that one high spot, but what makes this match is not that table spot, but the reaction to the kick-out after that. Pac's face as he realises Darby kicked out after taking a 15(ish) foot fall, and the shot of the shocked faces of Wheeler Yuta and Daniel Garcia standing side by side is genuinely one of the funniest visuals I've seen all year in wrestling. It's a really fun match outside of that, well-worked, maybe not a technical masterpiece, but it's genuinely just a bunch of fun to witness, with a fantastic final 30 seconds of Darby firing back up from the dead. Some might call it no-selling; I call it Darby coming back to life. ****1/2"
[8.0] "One of the most unique matches I have ever seen! The location made it a visual spectacle, but it wasn't the only great thing there: the match "matched" the visuals, as Darby and PAC had a great bout. Of course, to name just one spot, PAC throwing Darby of the balcony was the highlight there, and made Darby's victory even more pleasant. (****)."
[9.0] "This match was honestly so so good and had some of the craziest things I've seen in a wrestling match. PAC is really one of the most underrated talents and one of the best in ring talents that AEW has. The moves to the bunkers for golf was so creative and was cool. I do wish that it was No DQ instead of just no count-outs. If it had that, then I think this genuinely could have been five stars. One of my favorite spots in the entire match and one of my favorite spots in a long time was Darby Allin going through the flight of tables which was just insane. Overall great match with really creative ideas involved in it. (****3/4)"
[8.0] "Super original match setting that we'll probably never see again with some flashy psychology-less bumps and one very big, very spectacular finish. It isn't much else and it doesn't need to be considering the sort of spot this occupies in the Darby title run. Would I have liked it more if Darby threw some punches during that long climb up the stairs, or if there had been a bit more use of the golf course itself? Yeah. Probably. Would this have been a better match overall if it was just falls count anywhere? I think so, but then you wouldn't have the pop from Darby's come back pinfall break. Is it still one of the most original and exciting main events i've seen from a promotion this year? Absolutely."
[7.0] "I really want to rate this match higher, I really do. I absolutely LOVE when wrestling gets creative with where they do it, and on a GOLF COURSE? ! ? That's just amazing, and that aspect of it was something I really really loved. However, with unique environments, your offense has to be uniquely fitting that environment. And it just seemed like a lot of walking from one spot to another for most of the match. When the moves were there, and when the environment was used, it was GREAT! But that long stretch in between and the contriving of some of the spots just took me out of it a little bit. I'm definitely rewatching this, maybe I'll look on it more fondly. For now though, worth the watch, but a bit more spectacle than substance"
[8.0] "Talk about variety in a title reign. We started with a squash, went to a brawl, then a David v Goliath, then a technical match, and now finally, a straight up gimmick match. Taking it to the golf course first is a bold move, but one that pays off, sucking the crowd in instantly. There's a bit of a lull in the second act, but by the third it picks up and Darby takes one of the scariest bumps of his career, somehow only hitting one table when four were set up to break his fall onto the concrete, there really is only one Darby Allin."
[9.0] "As far as I remember, it was the first time I've seen a wrestling match on a golf course territory. It added a unique touch to the match as well as the venue. The spots were also very cool, especially the one with the tables. Man, Darby's reign should have lasted at least a month more. It was on the right route to become legendary"
[7.0] "While not uncharted territory for the approach taken in this match for this pairing, utilizing the uniqueness of SoFi's environment offered something unorthodox for modern wrestling TV. The narrative of Darby taking most of the damage and surviving by any means was fitting considering he's on a run of back to back tv title defenses. ***1/2"
[9.0] "This Darby world title reign has been a breath of fresh air & seeing a wrestling match on a golf course was something interesting. This may not have been one of the best title matches in this reign but it hands down has the coolest visuals"
[9.0] "What a great hardcore match! Darby Allin has been keeping things innovative every week with these title defenses. I'm loving every single part of this run! Kudos to PAC, amazing performance."
[7.0] "Personally think this was the weakest of the Darby title defences so far, not that this was bad by any means, but the standard has been so high and I did have really high expectations going into this. The match started off incredibly hot with them going out onto the green, which the crowd went wild for, and the spots on the golf course were great. Unfortunately I felt like it dipped from there though. I thought the in ring action was good, but the crowd weren't as hot once they went back to the ring (think this would have been better as a falls count anywhere match) but the Darby spot falling into the stack of tables from the balcony was insane, and the reaction from Yuta and Garcia when Darby kicked out was hilarious. Saying that, I wasn't a fan though how after Darby kicked out of that PAC just didn't follow up at all with any offence which took me out of the match and really just telegraphed that Darby was going to win (realistically knew he was going to win anyway, but I think this could have been done better). Overall though a fun main event match with some very entertaining spots, but feel like it peaked early despite the insane bump towards the end."
[8.0] "Fun hardcore match with the golf course segment at the start being the highlight. There were inevitably Death Rider shenanigans and the match slowed to a crawl in the set up for the big fall. Four stars."
[10.0] "Fantastically fun match, another classic for Darby's insane blitz of a title reign. From the fighting in the sand trap to the crazy table spot, I loved this."
[9.0] "A spectacular and extravagant match, the kind that ages well and that we'll all remember. The atmosphere and the setting are brutal, and the mere fact of fighting in the middle of a golf course already makes it legendary. Darby eats dirt, and PAC is thrown into the hole, and this is one of the most entertaining parts of the match, as there's no technique involved, just two guys killing each other in an unusual setting. But when they return to the ring, PAC takes the lead with dirty tactics until he connects with a Shooting Star through a table. Darby escapes, and PAC falls badly, possibly seriously injuring his legs, but he endures the pain and continues fighting. They take the match around the stadium, where, with the help of the Death Riders, several tables are set up, and PAC takes Darby Allin to a VIP box to slam him through the tables. That moment is brutal; Darby Allin is a specialist who can withstand anything. He seems to have a high pain tolerance and doesn't care about his own health. But this is where, for me, the match's biggest flaw lies, preventing it from being a perfect 10. With a more rested PAC and a practically wrecked Darby Allin, the fact that he staged a comeback even more surreal than Hulk Hogan's and won with a belt shot and a Coffin Drop feels surreal to me. Obviously, he had to win, but there's no way to justify how long he survived and how he won. I think they should have finished it differently."
[9.0] "They had already like, five matches so far and we are going to elevate the number to much more, however, it doesn't connected so well in my head the fact that PAC was going to have a title shot without well, doing anything to deserve it besides his PPV won over Darby like, 6 months ago. That thought disappeared when I watched them wrestle in a fucking golf camp, there was dust, there was nasty and unforgetable bumps, it was amazing. I do feel the chemistry they have will be even more explored, they are completelly insane, it is like PAC knows really well how far Darby can go and Darby makes us remember that PAC is way more than a highflyer. That is the second best match from his reigning, so far."
[8.0] "Fairway to Hell, obviously fighting in that arena, on the golf course, is so cool. The big spot with Darby getting thrown from to top to the tables was crazy as always. PAC looked strong, Darby had a great comeback in the end, he also looked strong during the entire match. Another brilliant title defense."
[6.0] "The match was unquestionably memorable from the standpoint of location and the creativity behind how the environment was integrated into the action. Unfortunately, that ends up being the match's primary selling point. Once the novelty wears off, after the first few minutes and a handful of effective sequences on the golf course, it settles into a fairly standard arena-wide brawl built around reaching the next major spot. Even the biggest spot of the match didn't entirely land, largely because Darby Allin's bump felt awkward rather. Beyond his usual willingness to absorb punishment, Darby's offensive output was almost nonexistent, while PAC, despite controlling much of the match, never really delivered a defining performance outside of the Tombstone Piledriver onto the steel steps. The match lacked the intensity and emotional stakes you'd expect from something important and instead came across more like a non-title exhibition than a meaningful confrontation. The unique setting and several ambitious spots provided spectacle, but spectacle alone wasn't enough to overcome the absence of a stronger structure or sustained drama."
[8.0] "I love when AEW just says, "fuck it, go have fun." This match had the complete opposite of what I did not like in the Takeshita match. Here, they slowly build the destruction of Darby, even with that freaking gruesome table spot from the heavens, all leading to that awesome kick out. The match has everything. The beginning feels like a fun arcade style fight with the mini golf course addition, then it evolves into a genuinely great wrestling match with awesome spots, before giving us the necessary Darby comeback and victory. Darby's run with the title is becoming generational."
[10.0] "absolute banger. the use of the arena was super interesting and who doesnt love a crazy table spot darby is on a great run and im always looking forward to see who's gunna challenge him next"
[9.0] "Oh yes man that was fucking incredible man such a good watch The match started with a brawl around a bunker for fuck sake i was loving them brawling and putting each other into it. We then went back towards the ring as they continued to go back and fourth. Pac then started to get control as he used Darby as a rag doll hitting a sick avalanche falcon arrow. Pac then crashed and burned trying a shooting star to the outside to put Darby through a table. Darby put him in a great scorpion death lock and Pac fought his way to the ropes. The Death Riders then came out allowing Pac to regain control and tombstone Darby on the steps. Yuta and Garcia then stacked four tables as Pac carried Darby up into the second story boxes and they brawled before Pac through him off through the tables. Darby then kicked out of that to a huge pop. Pac then tried t use the belt but Darby came back from the dead hit the low blow a belt shot and the a Coffin drop for the 3. Fucking so good from both men man what a match. Pac is just so good and needs to be used more. Darby is 4/4 on title defences i am sorry i ever doubted you mate. Some main event that made great use of the venue. Giving Darby vs Claudio vibes. (****1/2)"
[4.0] "Well it certainly made use of the stadium, but that's also my biggest problem. There was lots of walking to the places to do the planned spots. This match was very slow and plotting and it felt like they were just killing time. Plus, it was a Death Riders match, so of course the other members were gonna get involved. The four table spot wasn't good since Darby only went through half of them and I was bored for most of the match."
[9.0] "Just when this title reign couldn't get any better, this match happens. It amazed me how they used the arena to its fullest extent with the bunkers and that crazy ass table spot. This is def one of my favorite matches of the year"
[7.0] "****1/4 Very good match, another good title defense for Darby in a unique arena that they knew how to take advantage of. Very good chemistry, they flowed well enough and put on a very good match, although at times, in their search for flashy spots, I feel they forced certain positions too much or had some lackluster moments before a spot. Very good sequences, very good intensity, good constant rhythm, despite some lackluster moments due to positioning themselves for the spot. Here they knew how to apply and use the No Count Outs stipulation very well, as they used and took advantage of it from the beginning. Very good finish, Darby avoids the title attack and delivers a low blow to Pac and then finishes him off with a strike with the title and the Coffin Drop"
[8.0] "This match was a ton of fun and included some BRUTAL spots like the Pac throwing Darby off the stage rafters, which had to be about 15 feet high. That was one of the best spots of the whole year, and only Darby can take that and continue the match. The wrestling on the golf course was fun too, with Pac suplexing Allin into the Bunker and Darby hitting a Code Red into the sand trap as well. Superplex by Pac gets shifted into a Falcon Arrow, showing Pac's insane aerial control. Black Arrow misses sending Pac crashing through the table. Allin gets Pac in a Scorpion Death Lock right after, but Pac gets to the ropes. After the insane stage drop through the 4 stacked tables the Death Riders built, Pac brings in the world title to try and take out Allin once and for all. Allin uses the belt against him and hits the Coffin Drop for the win and retention. Rating: ****"
[9.0] "A great match due to the setting. Obviously, my favorite part has to be the beginning when they went onto the actual golf setting of the place. Who knew having wrestling like this inside of a golf simulator would be so good? Pac is thrown into the sand pits twice, then throws Darby into the sand pit, beats him up in the ring, the Death Riders run interference, setting up 4 tables. After that, they spend an entire commercial break having Pac walk Darby Allin upstairs to throw him off, and nearly misses the entire setup! Still a wonderful match, but in my opinion, I think it could've been a Falls Count Anywhere match. Still a great match."
[6.0] "Probably the least impressive Darby Allin title defense thus far. I unfortunately feel like the match was widely hindered by it's stipulation and expectations. The match being made a No Count Out match to play into the unique arena felt like it was ripe with opportunity but when the most inventive they get with the setting is throwing each other into sand traps I was kind of disappointed. When the match returns to the ring it's fine but never reaches the heights of Darby's previous bouts. Even the big table spot near the end was way off mark when Darby over shoots and crashes through half the tables that were set up. It was like they didn't practice with the crash mat. Yea just don't really have any strong feelings about what should have been the most exciting match yet in Darby's title reign. The one thing I straight up didn't like was how Darby retained and I get that AEW aren't seemingly about pure babyfaces but with both Darby and Kevin Knight retaining using low blows and belt shots kind of takes away from their strengths as face champions. This is more forgivable for Darby in my opinion but I don't think he should need to stoop to beat Pac who has is not at the top of the food chain at the moment"
[9.0] "Although the huge table spot was hugely contrived it was still a spectacle. Along with the fighting in the sand it will make this match memorable."
[4.0] "Have not been a fan of these Darby Allin TV defenses at all and this was no exception, probably the worst of the bunch. These matches are pretty much all built around Darby as the odds-defying underdog who keeps finding ways to win but the fact that he's got a heavily advertised rematch against MJF coming at the next PPV means there's never any doubt that hes walking out with the belt. The bulk of match was spent brawling around the arena to show off the golf-themed venue, making use of the match's puzzling "no count outs but with DQ" stipulation, with the last ~5-10 minutes being used to set up Crazy Darby Allin Bump #578 which he proceeded to not sell before retaining in the most predictable way possible - why make DQs a part of the match if they were gonna use weapons anyways? . I get why people like these matches but they are very much not for me."
[8.0] "Full utilization of the incredible venue that adds many creative spots that will stick in the minds of AEW fans forever. Bunkers, balconies, moonsaults, avalanche Falcon Arrow, and Darby still doesn't stay down. PAC looked like a million bucks here, just barely losing to Darby after laying him out with incredible spot after incredible spot. Darby's reign is one of my favorites in AEW history and this is one of the better matches AEW has had this year."
[6.0] "Outside of a few silly bumps on the golf course and two table spots, this was mostly just walking around with no drama. The big table bump, which was admittedly dangerous, ended with Darby's momentum carrying him past the middle of tables, which made the bump a little unsatisfying visually. I thought it was pretty funny that Pac needed Marina to distract the ref so that he could land a low blow, meanwhile they've fought all over the arena, used tables, and he's about to throw Darby off of a balcony onto tables his teammates have stacked. Even if the ref didn't see the fall, what other conclusion could he have possibly jumped to? An okay novelty match but I think, a bit like Darby vs Ciampa, the match itself doesn't outshine the spots and the spots don't really serve to elevate the story or drama of the match."
[9.0] "This match was so much fun. It was also an amazing match to watch. Darby and Pac have great matches and chemistry together and this was another great natch to their collection. They used the unique set design to their full advantage. Darby immediately left to go to the golf field and PAC followed sue. Darby went to through PAC in the sand trap, but Pac reversed, Pac then tried a suplex then Darby reversed and hit a code-red into the sand trap. Darby then drop-kicked P into another sand trap, Pac flipped after getting hit with that drop-kick. Pac then got revenge by hitting a belly to belly suplex into the sand-trap. After making Darby pass out, Pac gorilla pressed Darby into the same sand-trap. They both went back to the ring to continue the match. Pac then tied Pac to the turnbuckle and delivered brutal front kicks. Pac then violently removed Darby and delivered a brutal back body drop that caused Darby to rotate in a nasty way. Pac went for a clothesline, but Darby caught his leg and hit a scorpion death-drop for only a two. Pac hit an avalanche falcons arrow from the very top rope, but Darby managed to kick out. Pac set a table on the outside and tried to hit a shooting star press through it onto Darby but Darby got out the way and Pac crashed and burned. Darby then brought Pac back in and hit the scorpion death-lock. Pac escaped, they brawled outside and the death riders came out to distract Darby and Pac hit a nasty clothesline to the back of the head, then Pac hit a devastating tombstone pile-driver onto the freaking steps. They brawled up and Pac gorilla pressed slammed Darby from the top of the balcony through tables, it was a nasty landing for Darby Allin, I don't know why but seeing Pac rush down to pin Darby was hilarious to me. Pac brought Darby back in but somehow Darby kicked out. The looks Pac, Garcia and Yuta gave said it all, especially the commentators and the crowds reaction. Darby managed to stand up and hit a low blow on Pac and struck him with the title Pac was gonna use and hit a coffin drop to retain."
[8.0] "[4.0*] Man, what a cool match. Honestly, this was one of the coolest TV matches I've ever seen live. More than a great wrestling match, this had that specific feeling of being something special that people will still talk about years from now. It was just very unique, it felt very WCW-esque (affectionate) in the sense that it was something completely outside the norm. A fucking No Count Out World Title match in a golf station? What the fuck dude lol. I loved how they played with the whole scenario here, you can't say Darby and PAC didn't take advantage of the setup because they did everything they could with the stip. This pairing is incredibly special and they just can't miss together, this is their second TV MOTYC in 2026 and it was a super special bout. Loved the finish too."
[9.0] "Okay, at this point I honestly don't even know what else to say every Darby match feels like a mini PPV, and his opponent always gets carried by Darby's energy and ends up delivering a five-star match. A fantastic PAC who didn't hold anything back, and the usual crazy Darby with some unbelievable spots. There's really not much else to say: the match was practically perfect. Maybe the title never truly felt in doubt, but PAC looked credible throughout the entire match. Huge compliments to both of them, an amazing match."
[8.0] "Very fun match. The two bunker spots right out the gate were awesome, that sell on the dropkick was especially great. Pac going through the table was predictable but pretty cool, and the piledriver on the steps was nasty. Pac throwing Darby through the stacked tables was an amazing spot. Obviously Darby somehow survives it like he always does, but it really showed how much Darby is willing to take to keep his title. Just another great match in Darby's title reign, and im very excited to see where it goes from here."
[9.0] "A title match with a PPV feel to it. They really went overboard with the drama here, but I don't care, I loved the match. Like I said, they went overboard with the drama. Why? Because Darby Allin is crazy for diving onto a stack of tables, but then he beats PAC with his finisher. It would've been normal if that move hadn't happened, which is why I say they "went overboard with the drama." Still, I thought it was amazing because even though it lasted 20 minutes, it flew by thanks to all the moves we saw during the match. I don't have the words to describe Darby's reign, which, honestly, has been spectacular."
[9.0] "When I first saw the arena for tonight, I hoped for something like this, and this main event was everything I wanted and more. So simple, but so incredibly entertaining and with two absolutely elite athletes going at it for the grandest prize. I popped hugely for the two bunker spots right out the gate, the sell on the dropkick especially; it was clear already that this would be memorable if nothing else. The big moments continued with Pac's missed table spot and a piledriver on the steps before the action moves to the back - these two are capable of amazing high-speed sequencing, yet somehow this contest excelled without that. The balcony spot was utterly ridiculous (and frightening - the landing looked awful) and the kickout that followed (although inevitable) was brilliant. This is my TV MOTY so far and was five minutes of in-ring work and a small amount of build away from a MOTY contender as a whole."
[7.0] "First half of this made me laugh out loud loads at the sheet absurdity of it. Say what you want about AEW but you do not get stuff like this without them. I wish Darby had a bit more of a babyface come back to win though. The other major drawback was watching this on the new MyAEW gimmick meant there were just gaps in the match, biggest one being the walk to the top of the arena for the table spot so I did not get to experience any of the build or anticipation. Give me Triller or give me death."
[5.0] "5.5 - Didn't love this. The interactions with the setting were a lot of fun, like preschool wrestling, and PAC especially went all out for it. But the higher spots were a bit more stilted and forced. PAC could've really hurt himself on his table bump, and it ended up being unnecessary. Then the wait-around while the Death Riders took control and set up their own tables. I was OK with this feeling gimmicky, but it felt gimmicky in mostly a bad way."
[6.0] "Lucha Underground: The Country Club Years. I realise that titles mean very little in ADHDW, but hitching the most prestigious belt in the company 'where the best wrestle' to this extreme level of wacky gimmickry is gonna be a difficult shortcut to dial back from. And at the rate limp-along Darby's going, that U-turn is around 2-3 matches away. I checked out of this one when Pac put himself through the table with the SSP to the outside but still maintained control. Darby firing up and winning so soon after that mega-bump guarantees rapidly diminishing returns on his suicidal stunt show ***"
[8.0] "What a fun match. Remember when wresting was fun? Remember fun? (Remember laughter? ) This match utilizes the whole awesome golf arena set up here from the greens to the sand pits to the balcony. Just your usual Darby title defense, meaning he takes a few sick bumps, nothing too insane this time thankfully. Kind of weird though that they had to specify this was only "no count out" and not no DQ to keep the interference out....but then do a huge multi-table spot. ? Great shit though, exactly what you wanted out of this. ****, maybe ****1/4?"
[8.0] "Awesome match. A strong contender for the best of Darby's reign so far, and just generally one of AEW's best matches of the year too, a list that is pretty much solely made up of Darby Allin matches. This starts off exactly how it shouldve done with both guys brawling on the green and taking some crazy bumps into the bunkers. After that though, the match refuses to let up as they both brawl back to the ring and the match turns into your typical Darby match with Pac mostly dominating while Darby survives by finding openings and being able to withstand all of the punishment that's thrown at him. Pac eventually calls down the Death Riders who set up a stack of tables on the ramp which Darby, despite his best efforts, eventually finds himself falling through. Now usually, id be against someone falling 20 feet through a stack of 6 tables and then kicking out at 2, but fuck it, it ruled here. I mean if anyone else other than Darby did it, it wouldve sucked most likely but he's shown that he's able to withstand insane punishment in the past so to me, it's pretty believable that he would be able to kick out of something like that, especially when pac had to spend like a minute getting down from the stands and getting Darby back in the ring before he made the cover. In the end, Pac is his own undoing as he gets the Death Riders to distract the ref, allowing Darby to hit a low blow, a belt shot and then a coffin drop to get the win. These two already had great chemistry which resulted in a pair of great matches before this but i think id put this above those two, simply because of how much the setting added to this and how well they utilised the unique venue here. Fantastic match overall, and a strong contender for the best match that AEW has had this year too. ****1/4"
[10.0] "This match brought me so much joy. This is what pro wrestling is all about. So many creative and MEMORABLE spots. Thank you, Tony for making wrestling fun again. Darby is an utter and complete maniac and I love him for it. I hope they come back to this arena soon."
[9.0] "Possibly AEW match of the year so far. Video game opening. Solid match in the middle. Pair of table spots to watch through your fingers. I dug every moment of this."
[8.0] "Another good match in Darby Allin's title run. There's never a bad match between these two, and this was no exception. A lively main event match that never let up for a minute. PAC is one of the most underrated wrestlers in the company for me, and I want to believe he'll win the World Championship at least once, even if only for a short time."
[8.0] "Not a huge number of exchanges, but some impressive spots, starting with that jump from the balcony. PAC didn't seem built to win, but his history with Darby made the match quite legitimate, and it was enjoyable to watch them brawl in that rather unique setting. In-ring quality: 3.5/5. Stakes: 2/2. Justification: 0.75/1. Card placement: 1/1. Suspense: 0.25/1. Bonus/penalty: pleasant atmosphere +0.25. Total: 7.75/10. Match watched on MyAEW."
[9.0] "The visuals of the unique environment and the no count outs stipulation made for a memorable and awesome match. Darby's championship run has been incredible for the matches."
[10.0] "So much fun. As if brawling in the bunkers wasn't fun enough Darby asks to be thrown off the balcony through some tables. The reaction to Darby from the Death Riders and the crowd was perfect. Darby's run is amazing."
[9.0] "This was just such a fun match. Pac and Darby work so well together and this stip is perfect for this arena. I reckon my score is so high is BECAUSE of the venue. A wrestling world title match had two wrestlers fight on a golf course. I loved it. Darby pulling out every bit of life left to defend his belt is blood pumping, knowing he won't be holding it for long. I was kinda rooting for Pac, I love Pac, hope he gets a title run one day. Just a super fun match that had me grinning the entire time, until darby died"