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The Lingering Questions After Darby Allin vs.Gabe Kidd: Was This AEW Match Too Late, and Where Do Thay Go From here?
The clash between Darby Allin and Gabe Kidd on the December 28th, 2025 episode of AEW finally delivered on a feud that simmered throughout much of the year. Though, despite a brutal and undeniably physical contest, the match left many viewers questioning its timing, its place within the larger AEW narrative, and the future direction of both competitors. Was this a satisfying culmination, or a missed opportunity? And more importantly, what does this match signal about AEW’s storytelling approach?
This isn’t simply a match review; it’s an examination of the factors that contribute to successful long-term booking, the delicate balance between spectacle and narrative coherence, and the challenges of maintaining fan investment in evolving storylines.
A Feud Built on Incremental Escalation – And Intermittent Absence
The rivalry between Allin and Kidd wasn’t born overnight. It unfolded in stages, beginning wiht their confrontation at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door within a Lights Out Steel Cage match. This was followed by the shocking visual of Allin “disposing” of Kidd with his truck on Dynamite, and most recently, Kidd’s role in removing Allin from the brutal blood & Guts match.
Though, the key issue wasn’t the events themselves, but the spacing between them. Weeks, and even months, separated these impactful moments. This created a sense of disconnect for casual fans, and even dedicated viewers might have struggled to recall the full context without actively following social media – a practice many fans actively avoid to preserve the viewing experiance. The narrative thread felt frayed, making the eventual match feel less like an inevitable collision and more like a hastily assembled encounter.
this highlights a critical lesson in wrestling storytelling: consistent reinforcement. A feud needs regular touchpoints, even if they aren’t always direct confrontations. Promo exchanges, backstage segments, or even subtle interactions with other wrestlers can maintain momentum and keep the story fresh in the audience’s mind. Pro Wrestling Torch consistently emphasizes the importance of consistent storytelling in their analysis of wrestling promotions.
Timing and Context: The Worlds End Opportunity
Many fans and analysts questioned why this match didn’t take place sooner,with Worlds End being a frequently suggested alternative. A pay-per-view setting would have inherently elevated the stakes and provided a more notable platform for the culmination of their conflict.
Furthermore, the match’s placement felt somewhat incongruous with Allin’s apparent departure from the Death Riders faction. While the group was preoccupied with other endeavors during the episode, the absence of even a single member at ringside for Kidd felt like a missed opportunity to reinforce the mercenary relationship and add another layer of complexity to the match. It left viewers wondering if Kidd was truly operating independently, or if the Death Riders’ influence was still subtly at play.
The spectacle of Violence and the Question of Rules Enforcement
The match itself was undeniably brutal, featuring a significant amount of blood and hard-hitting action.While some fans appreciate this level of physicality, it inevitably sparks debate about the boundaries of acceptable violence in professional wrestling.
A recurring point of contention was the repeated biting during the match. While a dramatic tactic, it raises questions about rules enforcement. Biting is ofen considered a clear violation of wrestling regulations and should, theoretically, result in disqualification. The lack of intervention arguably diminishes the credibility of the officiating and can leave viewers questioning the consistency of the rules.
Beyond the violence, the match also fell into a common trap: the overabundance of finishers. Both Allin and Kidd traded near-falls after devastating maneuvers, ultimately diminishing the impact of each individual move.The constant cycle of “almost wins” can led to viewer fatigue and a sense of predictability. Wrestling Observer newsletter frequently critiques this practice, arguing that it devalues the significance of finishing moves.
The Bigger Picture: Where Do Allin and Kidd Go From Here?
Perhaps the most significant concern stemming from this match is the lack of a clear path forward for either competitor. Allin, despite securing the victory with a roll-up after absorbing a piledriver, feels directionless. His recent injury and the ambiguous status of his relationship with the Death Riders leave his future uncertain.
Kidd, despite a strong performance, remains largely undefined as a character. he’s proven to be a capable and intimidating presence, but AEW needs to establish a more compelling narrative for him
