The Cowboy Comes Around: Adam Page’s Journey to Stardom

“Hangman” Adam Page has delivered numerous standout performances in AEW, blending intense storytelling with exceptional in-ring prowess. Here are five of his most memorable matches:

1. The Conflicted Partner: Hangman Page & Kenny Omega vs. The Young Bucks

Event: AEW Revolution 2020

At this stage, Hangman Page is a reluctant tag team champion with Kenny Omega. He feels like an outsider in The Elite, grappling with insecurity and imposter syndrome. His partnership with Omega is successful but uneasy—full of subtle mistrust and emotional tension. This match shows him both excelling in the ring and emotionally unraveling, planting the seeds for his eventual separation from The Elite.

Why It Stands Out: This match is celebrated for its exceptional storytelling and in-ring action, often cited as one of the greatest tag team matches in wrestling history.

Watch Highlights:

2. The Lonely Outlaw: Hangman Page vs. Kenny Omega

Event: AEW Full Gear 2021

At this stage, Hangman Page is a reluctant tag team champion with Kenny Omega. He feels like an outsider in The Elite, grappling with insecurity and imposter syndrome. His partnership with Omega is successful but uneasy — full of subtle mistrust and emotional tension. This match shows him both excelling in the ring and emotionally unraveling, planting the seeds for his eventual separation from The Elite.

Why It Stands Out: A culmination of a long-term storyline, Page overcame his former partner to capture the AEW World Championship, delivering an emotional and satisfying payoff.

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3. The Fighting Champion: Hangman Page vs. Bryan Danielson

Event: AEW Dynamite: Winter Is Coming 2021

With the title in hand, Page is immediately tested by Bryan Danielson in a grueling 60-minute draw. This match proves he belongs at the top and can stand toe-to-toe with the best technicians in the world. It’s not about winning, but surviving and proving his mettle.

Why It Stands Out: A grueling 60-minute draw that showcased both competitors’ endurance and technical prowess, solidifying Page’s status as a fighting champion.

4. The Survivor: Hangman Page vs. Lance Archer

Event: AEW Dynamite – February 9, 2022

Page’s evolution continues as he defends his title in brutal stipulations. Against Lance Archer, he shows innovation and resilience, adapting to violence in a way that his earlier self couldn’t have handled. It’s a sign that he has become tougher—not just physically, but emotionally.

Why It Stands Out: In a brutal Texas Death Match, Page demonstrated resilience and creativity, notably executing a Buckshot Lariat by flipping over the referee’s back through a table.

Watch Highlights:

5. The Veteran Hero: Hangman Page vs. Will Ospreay

Event: AEW Double or Nothing 2025

Now a battle-hardened veteran, Page competes in the Owen Hart Cup final against Will Ospreay—a symbol of the new era. He wins, not just with power but with wisdom and composure, setting up another title chase, this time with a more focused and mature identity. He’s no longer chasing validation—he’s chasing legacy.

Why It Stands Out: In the Owen Hart Cup finals, Page faced Ospreay in a highly anticipated match that highlighted both competitors’ athleticism and storytelling abilities. The victory earned Page a shot at Jon Moxley’s World title at All In Texas.

Watch Highlights:

🧭 Hangman Page: Character Development Timeline (2020–2025)

Phase 1: The Drifter in Doubt

🗓 Early 2020 – AEW Revolution (Feb 29, 2020)
Key Match: vs. The Young Bucks (with Kenny Omega)

• Page is AEW Tag Team Champion but emotionally distant from The Elite.
• Heavy drinking, isolation, and imposter syndrome dominate his presentation.
• Constantly second-guessing himself and feels overshadowed by Omega and The Bucks.
• Narrative Tone: “I don’t belong here.”

Phase 2: The Isolated Cowboy

🗓 Mid 2020 – Late 2021
Key Moments: Loses tag titles, gets kicked out of The Elite, disappears from title contention

• Starts distancing himself from everyone.
• Loses confidence and fades from AEW’s main title scene.
• Becomes a cult favorite due to his vulnerable, relatable struggles.
• Narrative Tone: “I failed. Again.”

Phase 3: The Reluctant Hero’s Return

🗓 Late 2021 – AEW Full Gear (Nov 13, 2021)
Key Match: vs. Kenny Omega (Wins AEW World Title)

• Returns to challenge Omega after months of doubt and soul-searching.
• Backed by the Dark Order—AEW’s lovable misfits—who believe in him.
• Finally overcomes his inner demons and wins the title.
• Narrative Tone: “I can do this.”

Phase 4: The Gritty Champion

🗓 Dec 2021 – Spring 2022
Key Matches:

• vs. Bryan Danielson (Winter Is Coming 2021 – 60-minute draw)
• vs. Lance Archer (Texas Death Match, Feb 2022)
• Faces every challenge with courage and creativity.
• Moves from self-doubt to self-assurance.
• Proves his win wasn’t a fluke—he earns the respect of even his critics.
• Narrative Tone: “I belong here.”

Phase 5: The Hardened Survivor

🗓 Mid 2022 – 2024
Key Feuds: Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland, The Elite (again)

• Loses the world title but gains toughness and ring IQ.
• Shifts from a reactive fighter to a proactive tactician.
• Goes to war with Moxley in violent, bloody matches that deepen his rugged identity.
• Narrative Tone: “I’ve been through worse. Bring it.”

Phase 6: The Respected Veteran

🗓 2025 – AEW Double or Nothing (May 2025)
Key Match: vs. Will Ospreay (Owen Hart Cup Final)

• No longer chasing his worth—now fighting for legacy and purpose.
• Faces Ospreay, the new generation’s top name, and wins clean.
• Earns a shot at Moxley’s title at All In Texas.
• Narrative Tone: “This is who I am. This is my story now.”