All In 2018 Delivered For Wrestling Fans As A Silly, Wonderful Form Of Entertainment

All In 2018 was a rousing success, as the professional wrestling spectacle at Chicago’s Sears Center gave fans plenty of memorable moments. The show was more entertaining than ground-breaking, and for many wrestling fans searching for an alternative, that is all it needed to be on this night.

Although All In could have had more women’s matches and probably shouldn’t have booked a match with the Briscoes and Scorpio Sky, it’s hard not to see why this show has been almost universally praise. No, the matches and stories weren’t for everyone, but I think most wrestling fans were able to find multiple enjoyable moments.

First, there was Chris Jericho’s surprise return, where he disguised himself as Pentagon Jr. after the lights went out to attack old nemesis Kenny Omega and call him out for the Jericho Cruise. Jericho is always at the center of attention, and tonight was no different.

Then, there was Marty Scurll stepping up to Kazuchika Okada and putting together a great match with the “Rainmaker” himself. He produced in a big spot.

The main event featured Kota Ibushi and Rey Mysterio was short and sweet, and while the big stars were on fire, not even those two, nor the Young Bucks, nor Rey Fenix could outshine Bandido. That man is a rising star, and he is a name to watch over the next several years.

More from Daily DDT

• It’s time for Adam Cole and MJF to drop the ROH tag team titles
• Tom Lawlor talks MLW return, AEW opportunity, CM Punk’s WWE return and more
• Eddie Kingston stands to gain the most from the AEW Continental Classic
• Trish Stratus on WWE NXT would help elevate that women’s division
• Randy Orton signs with SmackDown to go after The Bloodline

Madison Rayne, Britt Baker, Chelsea Green, and Tessa Blanchard put their hearts into the only women’s match on the card, and you could tell how much that match meant to them. Even a minor error in the finish could not sour a great match filled with callbacks that rewarded fans for following the histories between Green and Baker and then Rayne and Blanchard. Tessa won the match, but we were all winners for watching a great women’s match that will hopefully convince Cody and the Young Bucks to add more women’s matches at a potential “All In 2”.

Other women outside of that match managed to shine, too. Jordynne Grace eliminated Brian Cage in memorable fashion during the Over The Budget Battle Royal, and those two certainly have history between them, as well as an upcoming match at Beyond Wrestling.

But you know which woman stole the show? No, it wasn’t Brandi Rhodes, though her heroics in Cody’s match deserve an honorable mention. The show-stealer was Penelope Ford, who did everything she could to help Joey fend off Hangman Page, including pulling out some insane flips, a stunner, and a massive crossbody. Joey lost and died twice for our entertainment, but it was totally worth watching.

Flip Gordon won the Battle Royal to earn a shot at Jay Lethal’s ROH World Title, and while he came up short again, Flip continued to win over the crowd. He’s on the rise as one of wrestling’s best babyfaces outside WWE, and here’s to hoping he keeps building momentum after an entertaining match against Lethal. The post-match powerbomb on Bully Ray, who wanted revenge on Flip for eliminating him in the Battle Royal, was a sweet moment for Colt Cabana. He’s been through a lot this year, and the Chicago crowd rewarded the hometown hero with loud cheers.

And where would we be without Cody Rhodes? Instead of coronating himself in the main event, he won the NWA Worlds Title in scrappy fashion over Nick Aldis, completing the upset victory in a way reminiscent of the British Bulldog’s Intercontinental Championship victory over Bret Hart in Wembley. The match was built up so well, and the finish was both surprising and rewarding, with the crowd fully behind the man who made this show.

But let’s not forget to praise Aldis, who played his role perfectly and gave me some serious Ivan Drago vibes.

The show has been praised by many fans, writers, and people within the wrestling community, as you can see below. Even people who aren’t necessarily Ring of Honor fans, since many of the talent at All In are featured prominently on ROH shows, were able to enjoy this homage to pro wrestling.

https://twitter.com/DallasBarnes420/status/1036087350319886336

As a whole, All In delivered, providing us with an entertaining night of wrestling we won’t forget. I have had my issues with decisions Cody and the Bucks made, including not taking women’s wrestling seriously enough. But for now, I will praise them for this important night for independent wrestling, because they gave the fans exactly what they needed.

I’m hoping for an All In 2 that serves as another great escape and celebration of professional wrestling. This industry is in healthier place than it has been in a long time, and Cody and the Bucks deserve praise for it. I hope they consider making some improvements to the card and the set-up for All In 2, since this event needs to feel more inclusive for fans.

The crowd was decidedly more white and male than it should be, though it was nice to see fans of all backgrounds enjoying the show. If they can make All In 2 more accessible and more inclusive, then there will be even more entertainment value to build on tonight’s excellent first edition of the show. They didn’t force anything, and they made sure not to forget that wrestling is both silly and wonderful.