Hook vs. Samoa Joe

[9.0] "This match is so underrated, holy cow. Hook is a crucial key for everything related to Samoa Joe since the beggining of 2024 and we can say that's all because of the match they had. A lot of controversies runned down at social media during that point, specially with Jinjer Mahal's name, if Hook deserved that title shot or not, who deserve a title shot and who doesn't and all this bullshit conversation that don't go anywhere. However, when it comes to ignore those self proclaimed great knowballers, we cannspit the fact that the match over delivered. Everyone expected a honest spank, and that is what he got. That was Samoa Joe basically screaming into Hook's ear "You're a child, not ready for that" with some of the nasty bumps ever. I loved the Uranage slam into the table most because it looked so damn real, a hard move, well done and the execution looked so painful, everything added with Joe "arrogant walk" before that move while the entire crowd scream "holy shit", man, that was great. Hook did a good job with the kickout at one and even tricking you telespectador that thought even for a tiny moment that he could possibly win this bout. Less is more, insane match."

[6.0] "This was a good match, more so for how well booked it was. This reminded me of two matches. First it reminded me of Triple H vs Taka Michinoku, giving a young wrestler a world championship match against the more established top star. The second was Brock Lesnar vs John Cena from Summerslam 2014, in that this was a fight where Samoa Joe absolutely manhandled Hook. Of course, the difference is that Hook got some good offense on Joe in the beginning and ending of the match. He started off trade fists and elbow shots, only for Joe to take advantage. They were building up to the T-Bone suplex, but before the payoff, Joe hit Hook with a uranage on the announce table, which collapsed. He wasn't done there, following it up with a powerbomb on the ring apron. Hook managed to beat the count and Joe tried finishing him off with a Muscle Buster, but Hook kicked out at 1 to the surprise of everyone in the building, even Taz. Hook came back with some clotheslines and managed to hit the T-Bone suplex. He tried going for Redrum, but Joe countered and locked on the Coquina Clutch and Hook passed out. This was a fun match, short but booked very well. ***1/4"

[8.0] "Magnificent performance from Joe here as the unstoppable monster but Hook was not outshone either, easily the best match I've ever seen him wrestle. His babyface fire was really special 4.25"

[8.0] "A beautiful yet simple story told in a way only Samoa Joe could tell - the monster champion now back in his prime after being without a World Title for over 15 years against the upstart with a big win record. Joe dominated almost every second of this match, but that somehow only added to Hook's mystique as a never-say-die brawler with skill beyond his years. The moments where he got some semblance of control and momentum in the match got the goosebumps going, up until the choregraphed but expertly worked finish with the Coquina Clutch. A great first defence for Joe, and a match to go out of your way to watch as the first real moment of Hook's career where he's crossed the line between upstart and legitimate top talent."

[8.0] "[3.75*] Incredible match and the obvious MOTN by far. Whoever produced this deserves a raise. They did a beast-ass 8 minute match which made people think it would have been even better if longer while in reality the whole sauce of this was literally the fact of being one of the best under-10 min World Title matches of the decade. Genius stuff, actually. Less is more. Phenomenal match."

[9.0] "This was a pretty solid match , both men did some good technical wrestling. Hook doesn't get enough credit , he's actually a really good technical wrestler and he held his own in this match. Joe was the veteran here so he was perfect for guiding hook. The stuff after the match with hangman coming out to save hook was solid, and swerve was over. Very good match , I'm shocked by how good it was it was a phenomenal match and Imo one of the greatest matches of hooks career. Credits to both men, for a banger of a match."

[8.0] "This was a fight. Samoa Joe thrives in matches with brawlers and Hook showed that he can brawl. I was really impressed with Hook in this main event performance. The respect Joe builds for Hook throughout the match adds some much-needed depth to Joe's character in AEW."

[8.0] "Joe is old, he is past his prime and a lot of people doubt his ability to be the top guy in AEW but this match just proves that with the right build and right conditions, Joe can fullfill his role as a Champion. Dominating performance worthy of the World champion, Joe hasn't look this good in years and Hook was a great dance partner, bumping crazy for Joe. This was a squash but it was the good kind and Hook didn't lose out by being used as a stepping stone for Joe, Hook showed heart, passion, great characteristics for an underdog and he had the crowd cheering him on. Very good match that effectively achieved two objectives with one stone: Joe as a dominant champ and a rising star in Hook. ****1/4"

[7.0] "Often I feel like great matches get brought down a bit due to a slow meddling first quarter or half of the match before things really pick up. I think to myself, "why didnt they just skip a lot of that and get to it? " Fifteen hard hitting break neck pace minutes are more valuable then 25 with 8-10 of them being slow and uneventful. Joe and Hook was exactly what I am looking for when it comes to this level of a match. Get to it and keep the intensity high for a shorter period of time. They packed a ton in just under 9 minutes of a match and a couple minutes of follow up. I could not ask for more from Joe's first defense."

[8.0] "Fantastic match, awesome experience. This was one of the most badass matches I've ever watched, perfect choices and booking, Joe is one of the best ever, he completely murdered (in a good way) HOOK in those strikes. Excellent way to kickoff his reign, this absolutely over-delivered in my opinion. One of the best short title matches of all time for sure - {****}"

[9.0] "One of the best >10 minute matches of all time? Not as unlikely as you think! Given the circumstances around this match, Tony Khan blabbing on Twitter, "Who tf is Hook", this match became surprisingly intriguing, and it absolutely delivered. Joe looked like an absolute beast and Hook's kick out at one and the T-Bone suplex instantly elevated him higher than he had ever been before. Not much more you could ask for."

[5.0] "Another bad Samoa Joe title match, he was the better man in this match but Hook felt out of place in this spot, and the whole Muscle Buster kickout at 1 was just embarrasingly corny and brought the match down another notch for me. Never been less interested in AEW's world title scene."

[8.0] "Despite its shorter length, this was a hell of a match. Joe battered Hook with some really stiff strikes. Hook was able to endure everything that Joe threw at him and even kicked out of the Muscle Buster at 1! Hook almost had Joe beat but Joe choked Hook out and retained."

[8.0] "4*) This match was the perfect way to make Samoa Joe look dominant but also not completely bury hook by not going down without a fight. Samoa Joe is one of the best wrestlers to be able to do the unstoppable champion thing and he proved it in this match yet again."

[8.0] "I loved watching this because I absolutely hate Hook. Of course Im not talking about the human being but the character that is presented to me on TV. This tough-guy persona being forced on me is so annoying because I cant take him serious at all with his terrible haircut and goofy looks in general. He looks like a kid that gets bullied at school and the gimmick doesnt fit him at all. I was really scared he would come close to beating Joe but he got beat the hell up. Of course he sold it well and I have absolutely nothing against his in-ring work but you can easily see that Joe is leagues above him in any way you can think of. An actual tough guy who doesnt have this narrative forced on us. Looked like a beast in this match and Hook got his moments for those who like to see him."

[8.0] "It was a beautiful sprint of action between a veteran of the game who has claimed the throne once again and a generational upstart who hasn't felt the reality of a surreal environment like this. Hook has most of the tools needed to evolve as a mega prospect for the promotion, but looking at his profile, the count of noteworthy matches is very thin. The fact that Joe took the privilege to embark on a journey with the son of a legendary fighter on how the sharks swim in the sea is exceptional. The kinetic pace, the sick bumps Hook ate (especially the one through the commentators' desk), Hook's dash of comeback, and the rad audience; it was supreme! There were some moments of hesitation or roughness in Hook's case, but it's sensible considering the challenger's match profile. 3.75 out of 5 stars!"

[8.0] "Joe is such a great champ. Honestly would have been better if he beat hook-up even more, but that's for another day and another match. Hook has been floundering in his position in the company still beloved but noticeably less because Creative keeps having him win useless matches and lose by cheating. it was finally time to give him a crack at the top of the pecking order and it's amazing how this was handled. Aside from brief moments, he got absolutely trounced which is perfect! Hook has never faced elite-level Op consistently just scrubs mostly so it makes sense that the champ of the organization would beat him up. What made this is that "controversial" muscle buster kick out, because he showed the moxie and gumption that you'd want out of a young wrestler. Most people won't like it because it's a finisher but Hook is a step above a young lion he's very popular and people wanted to see him progress so his kicking out to that reaction was great. I hope Joe keeps the championship for several years and should only drop it to Danielson, Kingston, or Darby."

[4.0] "This had a lot of controversy during the week of. A few weeks out now and yeah this wasn't very memorable nor elevated Hook like people were trying to say. The big spot for Hook was flipping off Samoa Joe, which isn't much. Also yeah kicking out of the muscle buster is pretty cheap heat."

[6.0] "In my opinion this match wasn't especial at all... in terms of wrestling. In terms of squash it was actually very enjoyable and I usually this kind of bout. Hook sold every bump perfectly and in some moments it looked Joe was really going to kill this guy. His comeback were also good, so I think they couldn't do any better than this. ***1/4"

[7.0] "Super glad I stayed up late for this main event. Great start to Samoa Joe's reign for not only showing dominance but for also making Hook look like a million bucks. While the head bump during the uranage on the announcers' table was gnarly, I thought it was strange for Hook to start selling his back first then his head. But other than that, the match more than makes up for it with its good spots and good story told with Hook's determination. Well paced and doesn't overstay its welcome."

[6.0] "A proper veteran vs. rookie extended squash that helps further Joes dominance, whilst also helping to develop Hooks shallow character work. Samoa Joe brutalises Hook for 5 minutes straight, hitting him with apron powerbombs, a crazy ura nage through a table, and much more. Although Hook is still green, this match really does help showcase his selling skills. My problems lay in the matches structure. Hook kicking out of the MB at one was quite self-indulgent, undeserved, and really would have worked so much better as a big moment in a future rematch (almost like how Hook finally hitting the T-bone on Big Bill was huge). I also felt the ending was flat, and that Hook raising his hand at the last moment, even to then go to sleep a couple seconds later, would have been a much more organic and subtle way to showcase his heart."

[8.0] "I gotta say they did make Hook look a BEAST at the end. Joe did an awesome job as the dominant heel and the Uranage through the commentary table was nasty. 8/10"

[4.0] "this match could have been many things, it was what it shouldn't have been. a prolonged squash with avoidable kickouts, especially the Muscle Buster one.it could have been a good match and a great moment for Hook but ruined by a senseless booking from which no one emerged strengthened"

[8.0] "A great david vs goliath type of match. Hook looked great after coming back from some nasty bumps. Joe looked like a monster. Both guys came out looking better. Great stuff."

[7.0] "A match that's hard to rate, because while short and simple, it accomplished so much. Not only did it sell me on Samoa Joe as a champion, but it sold me on Hook as a babyface wrestler. Just incredible stuff from Hook, Joe, and AEW. 3.75 Stars."

[8.0] "I thought this was awesome. Always pleasure to watch a wrestler give a rough beating to a young talent and Samoa Joe gave HOOK a beating which he will remember for his whole life. Joe looked like a monster the way he just POWED him with that side tackle in the opening part of the match. The Urenage on the edge of the table looked brutal. HOOK brought the fire in his comebacks and got some offense in and I didn't mind him kicking out the muscle buster at 1. I think its warranted for a wrestler to atleast get that one moment in return for a beating like this and the match ended 2 minutes after that. 9 minutes of wildness. 8.20"

[8.0] "A pretty good, intense main event here. This is exactly what this needed to be. Hook had a star-making performance here against Joe, who works great as a final boss, of sorts, in this scenario. Hook has already improved a good amount in his career and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does in the future."

[8.0] "a great match that was densely packed and with great intensity. not a bad showing for someone that's still very green. That muscle buster kickout was questionable, but outside of that the pace was decent."

[7.0] "Very good match, one of my favorite "under 10 minutes matches" in a good while. Joe went to do his thing, beat a young guy in few minutes; but HOOK showed a lot of heart, and didn't back out from his biggest challenge ever in professional wrestling. Beautifully executed. (***3/4)."

[7.0] "In 9 minutes they achieved everything this match needed to be. Most of the bout was dominated by Joe and by just two spots he showed Hook was no match for him. Joe looked like a beast. Of course, Hook is Hook, he had a great chance at comeback near the end, kicking out out of Mustle Buster, hitting Joe with T-Bone and almost locking Red Rum. Still, no problem for Joe and he quickly took the advantage back and finished the match."

[8.0] "[4.25*] The dynamics of this match were perfect, the entire build-up was excellent, Hook is a quiet, courageous and badass challenger, this was without a doubt the biggest challenge of his career, which was built on many dominant victories. Hook selling was surprisingly good. It's always insane to see Joe's brutality with his opponents, the Uranaki he did to Hook on the table was spectacular and violent. The moment when Hook reacts by kickout at one into a MUSCLE BUSTER was spectacular and exciting, his suplex on Joe was incredible too. Joe's work was exceptional as he managed to make Hook look like a rising star while remaining a dominant monster champion."

[8.0] "A very good showing from both guys that left me wanting more. I expected this to be a tribute to the Taz/Bam Bam matches but it was it's own thing, which isn't necessarily bad. Hopefully down the line when Hook is more established and more able to go, he and Joe can have a rematch that lives up to those expectations."

[7.0] "I have mixed feelings about this one. They had great energy and intensity, but there were some things here that I wasn't a big fan of. I know a lot of people loved the muscle buster kick out and comeback, but it was a bit much for me. It was mostly the fact that Hook was immediately on offence after the kick out that I thought felt off. I also think that AEW does similar spots to what we saw here (the double middle finger act of defiance and finisher kick outs in general) so often that even when they fit a match like they did on this occasion, they don't really have the intended impact on me anymore and come across as a bit repetitive. Hook also had some moments where he looked very green (the barricade spot and the really awkward little run he did in to Joe's powerslam). I did like that the match was kept short and high impact instead of running too long and reaching the point of diminishing returns, and the uranage in to the table looked pretty brutal. The atmosphere was strong, too. Overall I enjoyed it, there were just a few things that didn't really work for me."

[8.0] "Kind of short, and a bit booked too much like the MJF match Joe had at Aurther Ash grand Slam. That's all fine though as much as I try not to define a match by who won too much, but Joe being booked in a match like this (and the Grand Slam one) as the CHAMPION, just makes way more sense than as the challenger, so this one is easily 2 more points more than how I felt by the ned of the MJF match. Again though, really could have gone another 3 or 4 minutes but they also did A LOT in such a short amount of time, but Hook also could have gotten more offense in too."

[9.0] "Just a well-paced, kinetic match. With such a short match time, each spot felt appropriately brutal (that urinage onto the announcers table comes to mind). Also I dont see the issue with the kick out at 1. Without even considering the connection to Taz, Joe intentionally took like 10 seconds and did a lazy pin. Hook is then on his final wind and fires up before Joe shuts him down. Its a simple story of a resilient baby face, sure, but the running thread of the match is that Hook wont go down as easily as Joe thinks. Fun setup at the end as well with Hangman and Swerve."

"I was in the road to say this match was awesome and then Hook try his best to no sell Joe offenses, Kick out at one and passed out just after. This was not a bad match but the end really take me out. I need to see more longer match for Hook before judging him. 6, 75"

[8.0] "A different kind of title match this, and a highly enjoyable one at that. Joe is such a great champion and whilst Hook wasn't your traditional challenger this made for an interesting quick match."

[6.0] "There were some complaints about this match happening beforehand but considering Hook's record and a need to get his first real loss out of the way (or otherwise risk having too many squash matches and not enough development, like Jade Cargill) I thought it was all completely fine. Right up until the Muscle Buster kick-out at one. That's where it crossed into super power territory. Hook could have looked like a spirited but out of his depth challenger without it. All that did for me was take me out of the match. Hook's offence still needs work. He still needs more experience working full, actual matches, but that's hopefully what we'll see develop now. This has to be considered the end of Hook's introductory phase so it'll be interesting to see where they take him from here. Despite the hype and how much of a big deal AEW make out of him, I still think that his wrestling abilities are below the level of New Japan's Young Lions by the time they wrestle their first singles match. He needs more matches and hopefully that's what he'll get now that he's had a clean loss on the big stage."

[7.0] "A short match that served it's purpose. Hook started the match with all guns firing but Joe quickly took control of the match and dominated. Hook's kick out of the muscle buster and subsequent attempt to make a comeback were amazing and he looked like a star."

[7.0] "This match pretty much nailed the story it was aiming to tell. Hook came out firing (as he should have) before Joe quickly gained control. I loved Hook's kickout at 1 after the muscle buster -- it was totally unexpected and should be a huge boost to him moving forward. Really fun match, wouldn't have minded it going a couple minutes longer though. ***1/2"

[4.0] "Super Hook is just so cringe. Hook is impossible to like or root for. The kick out at 1 from the muscle buster was unneeded and made Joe's iconic finisher look weak. The action itself was pretty solid, however. I just hope Joe gets booked a little better as the champ. Super Hook is just so cringe. Hook is impossible to like or root for. The kick out at 1 from the muscle buster was unneeded and made Joe's iconic finisher look weak. The action itself was pretty solid, however. I just hope Joe gets booked a little better as the champ."

"[7.5] THOUGHTS: I love that they presented this match commercial free and that is what the whole sponsor ship thing with the suicide squad video game, that should be the norm for TV Main Events. Love the way both Hook & Joe carried themselves in this match, Joe swagging and sauntering like the confident bad ass he is, Hook turning his back on Joe Standing in the corner, and always bringing the fight, both played their part perfectly. The crowd loved this match lively throughout equally chanting for Hook & Joe. People are going to talk a lot of shit about Hook kicking out from the Muscle Buster at 1, I thought it was a great moment that got the crowd and this podcaster believing in Hook for a moment. SPOT OF MATCH: Joe hit a Uranage on Hook, on to the ringside table which just collapsed, then Joe Swaggered around the ring like a bad ass, then power bombed Hook on the ring apron is a sick spot. Honorable Mention Joe whipped Hook into the ring side Barrier, but Hook jumped up on the barrier and jumped off with a turn around flying punch, cool. Honorable Honorable Mention Hook hitting the T-Bone suplex on Samoa Joe, Awesome visual and the T-Bone is my favorite non-German suplex. FINISH: Cocina Clutch locked in by Joe, and Hook has to pass out. CAGE MATCH RATING: 8.09, thats a bit rich, but Im not that far below, I had it as a 7.5 really fun match and for a minute you really thought Hook might win, which was a hard feat to pull off. WINNER: And Still AEW World Champion Samoa Joe"

[8.0] "This was way, way better than I expected. Usually a match has to be competitive for me to consider it good, but tis one managed it despite Joe's dominance."

[9.0] "One of my favourite matches of the year so far. This match hugely benefited from not being 50/50, it's okay for some title matches to be 70/30, and giving Hook some flurries really helped keep the crowd into it. We had a great story told, great post match action. Well done to Hook for stepping up to another level."

[6.0] "better than I expected. Samoa Joe is the perfect wrestler, despite being past his prime he has the look, the swagger, the charisma, he can talk and he can wrestle. Hook on the other hand is still very green. the match itself was alright: good bumps by Hook, Joe never looked in any danger (as he shouldnt have) and the whole thing was believable. Then Hook's comeback came, and I wasn't bothered by the kickout at one as much as I was by the shitty strikes from Hook. Overall a match that probably shouldnt have happened right now (due to the GIGANTIC gap between the two of them - both in kayfabe and in actual prowrestling skills) but its safe to say they made the most out of it without overstaying their welcome"

[8.0] "Rewatchability - 10. In Ring Chemisty - 8. Crowd/Energy/Atmosphere - 7. Performance/Theatrics/Athleticism - 7. Excitement level/ Hype of match- 8. One of the best tv matches Ive seen in a while. The ending reminded me of Jeff Hardy trying to earn Undertakers respect"

[10.0] "I wasn't sure coming in what this would be, but I think AEW nailed it exactly right. It was clear from the start Hook was punching above his weight but he didn't let it phase him, he was as cool as ever before the match, and I loved how he rushed in for the attack as soon as the bell rang. I am not the biggest fan of Joe being champ but I think this should be a blueprint for his title defenses, this isn't 2004 Joe who can go an hour, let the challenger attack fast to try to overcome Joe before he can work up to his heavy shots. Joe to his credit walked the line well between selling for Hook and also pounding down on him, it was clear Joe got more than he bargained for but once he got himself aligned to Hook's strategy he was able to use his power, size, and weight to make the difference. The rough way he flung Hook into the announce table looked very good. Some folks have complained about Hook doing the 1 count kickout of the Muscle Buster, but I can't say it phased me. Joe did a slow, lazy cover and it was clear from the story Hook was there to make a point, so him pushing himself to kick out fast to hammer that point home made perfect sense. Plus, it got a great pop from the crowd. The result was inevitable but really this was an ideal sub 10 minute match, and the best non-Darby Samoa Joe match in more than a decade. Joe will never be at his peak again but it feels like he is stepping up as much as he can while he has the title and the idea has grown on me somewhat, though I still think a quick switch to a hot current generation talent will be welcome."

[9.0] "This match was great for what it needed to be. HOOK was a huge underdog and fought like one, desperate to upset the champion. Joe is at his best when he's the one dominating the match. HOOK sold a lot more than usual and has that special awkward Brock Lesnar sell that looks unconventional but real. Came off as an actual fight instead of your typical pro wrestling match. Only knock I have is that I don't think HOOK should've kicked out of big moves as much as he did, gotta protect your finishers a little bit more. Taz was great on commentary. The presentation throughout the night and the lack of commercials made the match feel special, AEW needs to do that more often."

[7.0] "An enjoyable first title defence, they made it as interesting as it could be considering it was not presented as an even match up. A note to say how Taz nailed it on comms, showing support and concern for his son without going over the top and taking focus from HOOK."

[6.0] "a good tv main event that was well structured. Not a 50/50 but not a squash either, falling somewhere between it kept both guys looking strong, but gave the most rub to Joe, as it should have. Action was good, but there wasn't much here you hadn't seen before many times, so it's never going to be more than a 3.25star match."