The Men’s Casino Gauntlet match showcased an intense and personal rivalry, particularly between Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) and Mark Briscoe. The match took a notable turn as MJF invoked the memory of Briscoe’s late brother, Jay, which heightened the stakes and Briscoe’s determination to win. This rivalry, amplified by the entrance of sympathetic heel Ricochet, put Briscoe in a tough position early on.
In Casino Gauntlets, competitors enter at staggered intervals, and unlike elimination matches, the contest concludes with a pinfall or submission, adding an unpredictable element. With a maximum of 21 entrants, past events have often concluded before all competitors have made their entry.
The action escalated with the arrival of ROH World Champion Bandido, who aimed to relieve some pressure off Briscoe. This was followed by Konosuke Takeshita, who had an exciting bout the previous night at Supercard of Honor. As rivalries intensified, MJF found himself momentarily alone with Bandido, attempting to unmask him, a move reminiscent of his previous match against Mistico. However, Lucha legend Caristico entered to disrupt this plan.
The match continued to draw significant talent, including Josh Alexander and members of Don Callis’ family, creating an intricate web of alliances and rivalries. Juice Robinson, returning from injury, made his entrance next, sporting a fresh clean-shaven look, which surprised many fans.
The chaos escalated further with interference from Ricochet’s allies, The Gates of Agony, and the unexpected return of The Gunns, who had been absent for several months. The momentum of the match sustained its unpredictability with notable entrants like Kota Ibushi and Mortos, each contributing to some high-caliber wrestling sequences.
The match reached a pivotal moment when Max Caster entered as the 14th contestant, providing a brief comedic interlude as he engaged the crowd. Shortly after, Briscoe capitalized on the moment to execute a devastating Jay Driller on MJF. However, in a cunning move, MJF took advantage of the unfolding action by throwing Briscoe out and securing a pin for the win.
As MJF celebrated his victory with his mentor MVP, he made it clear that he is poised for a future AEW World title shot, setting the stage for potential clashes with notable contenders like Jon Moxley or Hangman Page.
This dynamically charged match not only highlights the vibrant storytelling aspect of professional wrestling but also sets the tone for future rivalries and championship pursuits, keeping fans eagerly engaged. The blending of personal stories with athleticism serves as a reminder of why AEW continues to captivate its audience.