Riho vs. Ruby Soho

[5.0] "[2.5*] This match just existed. I was excited for Rihos return and she did pretty good but there was absolutely nothing thrilling about this match. Just average."

[6.0] "Fun match, this was basically about Riho, she's incredibly talented, excellent showcase. This was the worst match of the show but still delivered some good quality wrestling... Toni comments were great too - {**3/4}"

[6.0] "A solid return match for Riho, but nothing special, in my opinion. It's great to see Riho back in AEW, though I don't think for a second that she's beating Toni Storm for the AEW Women's World Title at Worlds End. Either way, I think having her face Soho was a good idea given the history they're already leaning into for the Riho vs Storm feud and I'm still looking forward to watching the title match at Worlds End."

[5.0] "Riho's crucifix bomb and meteora were really good here but she should not have been as dominant as she was against Ruby here. Her size is just so kayfabe breaking to me at least with the style she wrestles. I wish she got more of the underdog treatment because her selling is great but I don't want her spending most of the match on offense. Oh Ruby... you don't deserve the spot you're in in this company. I hope it gets better for you sooner rather than later."

[6.0] "Good Riho match in her return, she's a very solid wrestler and I hope she's stays around for a long time. Shoutout to Soho too, very underrated wrestler in this roster, I hope to see her in the title picture at some point. (***1/4)."

[4.0] "I suppose there was a match here in between the commentary table shooting the shit and Toni Storm doing some character work. Seriously though they barely talked about this match and that speaks volumes about how interesting this was. I don't think Soho has ever been interesting or particularly good in ring and Riho is basically never there, its cool shes getting a title match, but I honestly forget she exists and have no idea what her character even is outside of joshi wrestler who is small."

[7.0] "Solid match. Solid showcase for Riho. Despite being the smallest woman in the women's division Riho is an incredibly talented wrestler who can mix great technical wrestling with athleticism."

[8.0] "Every time Riho disappears and then returns, I remember how great the women's division is with her in it. She might be my favorite female wrestler, and is undoubtedly the best AEW has together with Jamie Hayter. Maybe because she's so small, one can see all the effort and ability every wrestling move requires, which makes her matches seem really technical and special. That, and her inevitable underdog story make me love everything she does on the ring."

[6.0] "Pretty good performance here from both wrestlers, but Riho especially. The match layout kept the audience invested, and they were given enough time to showcase the credibility of Riho before she faces Toni Storm for the title. Only docking a few points due to some small issues with timing/execution (e.g., Riho having to release the pin after the crucifix bomb, Soho noticeably whiffing on the No Future) and due to the somewhat distracting commentary (and I like the Timeless Toni gimmick, but I don't think it works on commentary for a longer match like this)."

[7.0] "Damn this is like Ruby's best singles match in a long while. It's always great to see Riho but I wish she didn't leave so much, she's way too talented. But yeah this was a fun match, Riho once again that even though she's small she's still strong a hell. Ruby sold well and wasn't out of place unlike her match with Shida a few weeks back. I do wish they didn't cut to Toni Storm so much at ringside."

[6.0] "The women's divison really missed someone like Riho, she can a good match with literally anybody. Also the best Ruby's perfomance in a while. The crowd loved Riho and the action was enjoyable. Good sequence, good counters, no botches, just flawless wrestling with the great addiction of Toni Storm on commentary. Excited for the Riho/Storm program. 6/10 - 3.25*/5*"

[8.0] "Good to see Riho back in the ring. This was a good tv match. Runy and Riho had a well paced match and the crowd was into it. I really enjoyed it."

[6.0] "Riho's return match was solid, but didn't make all that much of a splash. There wasn't much of a chance that it would be able to stand out amid the C2 matches. Not that the wrestling was subpar (Riho hasn't missed a step), I just felt that the camera's focus on Toni Storm detracted from the match itself. Her banter on commentary was fine (I enjoy a good Tazmaniac reference), and her character work is improving, even if it's a bit outlandish. I can see why some people loathe it, since it's a jarring contrast in tone from the entire tournament."