Konosuke Takeshita vs. Claudio Castagnoli / Cesaro for the Ring of Honor World Championship, from AEW Battle of the Belts III

Between the spectacle presented through a variety of high spots that double as proper plot points as well as sticking to characterization established early in the match (Castagnoli’s strength and technical prowess vs. Takeshita’s determination and speed), this is just about all you could ask for from a match aiming to please all audiences without committing to bonkers spectacle or working as inciting incident for (or climax to) a proper storyline. Castagnoli can have a three-star match in his sleep, and Takeshita is a star in the making, and anyone who believes otherwise after this match is a damn fool.

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