The John Report: AEW Dynamite 04/27/22 Review

This week’s AEW Dynamite featured a battle between FTR members, the TNT Title was on the line in a ladder match, there was a Philly Street Fight, multiple tag team matches and more.

Last week I didn’t do a detailed review of the show due to feeling ill. My apologies for that. Back to normal this week.

This was AEW Dynamite episode #135 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

It’s Wednesday night and you know what that means. Jim Ross was on commentary joined by fast-talking Excalibur and Tony Schiavone.

CM Punk made his entrance to join commentary for the opening match. Big ovation for Punk as usual. Punk was excited. FTR made their entrance for the match against eachother. They entered in separate tunnels. Excalibur said they have teamed together for 600 matches, but tonight for the first time they are opponents. FTR are ROH and AAA Tag Team Champions.

Analysis: Let’s remember that FTR are a part of MJF’s Pinnacle group and CM Punk’s blood rival was MJF. Does the group still exist? And if it does still exist, wouldn’t there be issues there? That’s the thing about AEW. Some of the stables are never together, so fans forget about them.

Men’s Owen Hart Tournament Qualifying Match: Dax Harwood vs. Cash Wheeler

They had some Hart family logos on their trunks. Punk said he doesn’t necessarily like these guys due to who they hang out with, but these guys are pro wrestlers. They started out doing some armbars and some mat wrestling with neither guy getting the advantage. Wheeler with two shoulder tackles followed by a body slam, Harwood fought back with a kick and then Wheeler got an armbar on the left arm. Punk joked that “bald” and “hair” while explaining the one with hair is “hair.” That was funny. They did a spot where it looked like Harwood raked the eye, Wheeler didn’t like it and Wheeler delivered a knee to the ribs. Wheeler with a running shoulder tackle to the ribs followed by hard chops to the chest. Harwood set up Wheeler on the top turnbuckle leading to Harwood hitting a superplex off the top rope. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them as Harwood went up top, he jumped off with a headbutt and Wheeler moved out of the way, so Harwood hit the mat. Wheeler kicked Harwood out of the ring. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

Wheeler was in control with multiple German Suplexes and then Harwood hit a German Suplex. They ran the ropes leading to a double cross body block collision, so they were both down. They exchanged punches, Wheeler went for a jackknife cover, Harwood countered into a pin attempt for two and then Harwood countered a body slam into an inside cradle for another two count. Harwood went for a slingshot Powerbomb, but Wheeler countered it into a hurricanrana pin attempt for two. Harwood managed to hit a slingshot Powerbomb for a two count. They did the victory roll spot off the shoulders, which was the WrestleMania 10 Owen-Bret finish with Harwood kicking out at two. Wheeler hit a piledriver for two. The fans chant “fight forever” for them. Wheeler went up top, Harwood tripped him up and Wheeler slipped out with a knockdown on the top rope. Wheeler went for a belly to back suplex off the top, but Harwood countered by landing on top for a two count. Harwood ran the ropes leading to a spot where he jumped onto Wheeler, who caught Harwood and then they went tumbling to the floor. They both got back in before the ten count. It’s AEW where the referees do countouts sometimes, but not all the time. Wheeler was selling a leg injury, Harwood thought about the Sharpshooter and Wheeler took advantage of the hesitation to get an inside cradle to win. Harwood countered with an inside cradle of his own for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dax Harwood

Analysis: **** Awesome technical wrestling match between two of my favorite guys in AEW. Harwood and Wheeler are so good. Lots of great moves, counter wrestling and a super hot crowd that was into everything they did. What’s cool about a match like this is they are tag team wrestlers, so we didn’t know who was going to hit a finisher to win since that’s uncommon for them. Winning on a counter with Wheeler going for it first and Harwood doing his own version was the right way to end it. That showed how even the match was.

After the match, Wheeler and Harwood had a private conversation in the ring together. Harwood’s hand was raised as the winner and then they did a post match hug.

A video aired from last week when CM Punk had a face to face staredown with “Hangman” Adam Page, the AEW World Champion.

There was an official announcement of “Hangman” Adam Page defending the AEW World Title against CM Punk at Double or Nothing on May 29 in Las Vegas. The fans cheered. I like it.

CM Punk did a promo doing a walk and talk promo with Punk putting over Dax and Cash. Punk continued moving around ringside as he spoke: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve never been part of a locker room that is full of more talent than here in AEW. Seven or eight months ago, before I walked through the curtain for the first time in seven years, I asked myself a question and the question was: ‘Can I still do this?’ And now I can probably stand here in front of my fans in Philadelphia and I can say: ‘Hell yeah, I can still do this.’”

Punk said he was a fan of Adam Page while adding that he knows a lot of fans like him too. Punk talked about his journey in AEW going from Darby to Dustin and how it’s all been about getting to the top. Punk said that he will always give 100% of himself because without the fans, there is no him. Punk said without the fans, he doesn’t come back after seven years, nor does he make it to Double or Nothing. Punk added he’s not a gambling man, but he’ll always bet on himself. Punk said at Double or Nothing, Page will know he’s been in a fight with CM Punk and he’ll continue to fight until the wheels fall off. Punk celebrated with the fans cheering.

Analysis: I think Punk is going to win the AEW World Title at Double or Nothing. It’s nothing against Page. I just think AEW is paying CM Punk a lot, he’s their biggest name arguably and they probably want to get the title on him. Page was absent from Dynamite due to having a COVID (according to him), so he had to stay away.

Scorpio Sky and Dan Lambert were backstage doing a promo about Sky winning back the TNT Title. Sky said he got screwed out of the title by Sammy Guevara. Sky said that the Philly crowd is there to see Sky beat Sammy and take back what is his – the TNT Title.

(Commercial)

The Blackpool Combat Club made their entrance with Bryan Danielson, Wheeler Yuta with William Regal (Yuta is from Philly) and Jon Moxley got a huge ovation as well. Their opponents were already in the ring.

Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta) vs. QT Marshall, Aaron Solo & Nick Comoroto

William Regal joined commentary for this match. The three BCC guys attacked and they cleared the ring early. Moxley with knees to Comoroto, who came back with a running shoulder tackle. Solo punched Moxley, who no sold it like 1991 Undertaker and decked Solo with a punch. Moxley with a suplex into a slam. Moxley with forearms followed by a belly to back suplex. Yuta tagged in with an armdrag followed by a dropkick. Comoroto tagged in with JR calling him a “large hairy man” as Comoroto gave Yuta a back body drop.

(Commercial)

Yuta was the face in peril with Marshall legal for his time and Yuta held onto the ropes leading to a German Suplex. Bryan tagged in as JR called him “Daniel Bryan” (oops) and Bryan unloaded on Solo with chops/kicks to the chest while the fans chanted “yes” for it. Bryan jumped off the top to avoid Solo, then Bryan hit a suicide dive on two guys followed by a forearm on Solo. Ross said “Daniel Bryan” again as Bryan hit a missile dropkick off the top. Bryan with kicks to the chest, Bryan went for a roundhouse kick, Solo avoided it and Bryan went for a submission. Marshall with a save, so Moxley gave QT a half n half suplex. Bryan and Moxley hit running corner attacks on Solo and Marshall with Moxley taking Marshall to the floor with a clothesline. Bryan was legal with Solo, who shoved Bryan off the top. Solo jumped off with nothing, which led to Bryan hitting a dropkick. Yuta got the tag against the hairy man Comoroto, who tossed Yuta across the ring two times. Regal said this is what Yuta needs to see if he can counter this. Yuta applied a dragon sleeper, then he turned it into a regular sleeper and Yuta elbowed Comoroto in the head several times. Moxley and Bryan applied submissions on two guys while Yuta hooked the arms of Comoroto for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta)

Analysis: **3/4 It was a hard-hitting match to continue to build up BCC with easy wins. It probably could have been shorter, but I guess they wanted all three BCC guys to have some time in the ring and put over Yuta again. It’s not that interesting when you go ten minutes knowing one team has absolutely no chance to win. Bryan’s awesome while Moxley continues to be great. At least they aren’t punishing their bodies as much by being in tags.

The trio of Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter and Toni Storm were interviewed by Tony Schiavone. Storm said that she’ll see Jamie in the first round. Toni wanted Britt to say hello to her friend Ruby Soho, who is also qualified. Ruby said that every time somebody new throws up, Britt and Jamie always have something to say. Ruby said that the late, great Owen Hart said “enough is enough and it’s time for a change.” Britt said no physicality and they had to visit Ruby’s home sweet home in catering. Ouch.

Analysis: That line at the end was probably a reference to Ruby barely being on TV for the last few months.

Lance Archer vs. Wardlow was after a break.

(Commercial)

The AEW Tag Team Champions Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus with Christian were interviewed by Tony Schiavone. Jungle Boy talked about how he lost to Kyle O’Reilly last week, Christian told Jungle Boy he was not a loser and they are still the tag team champions. Christian threw out a challenge to any top five team in AEW. Ricky Starks & Powerhouse Hobbs walked up saying they were the 3rd ranked tag team. Starks issued a challenge for a match on Dynamite, Rampage, Youtube and told them they wanted the match. Luchasaurus growled in response.

Lance Archer entered first for his match with Jake “The Snake” Roberts by his side. MJF was in a private box with Shawn Spears. MJF said that women in Philly use their personalities as birth control. Good joke. Wardlow made his entrance in handcuffs accompanied by security because MJF controlled his contract. Excalibur said that Archer’s mission was to incapacitate Wardlow.

Wardlow vs. Lance Archer (w/Jake Roberts)

Archer jumped off the apron not Wardlow at ringside. They went into the ring to start the match with Wardlow hitting a running hurricanrana. Wow. Wardlow hit shoulder tackles and uppercuts along with an Alabama Slam. Archer went for a Chokeslam, then he talked to Wardlow for the next spot, so Wardlow broke free and they ran the ropes leading to a double clothesline. They exchanged punches, Archer managed to get the advantage for a bit and Archer walked the ropes leading to a moonsault onto a standing Wardlow. Archer hit a Chokeslam for a two count. Archer set up Wardlow on the turnbuckle, Archer set him up for the Blackout and got a two count as Wardlow countered it into a two count. Wardlow headbutted Archer repeatedly to knock him off the top and Wardlow hit a Senton Bomb off the top rope. Jeff Hardy does it better, but Wardlow doing it at 270 pounds is impressive. Wardlow hit a Powerbomb, the fans wanted more, so Wardlow continued the Powerbomb Symphony with another Powerbomb and Wardlow hit two more Powerbombs for a total of four. Wardlow covered Archer for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winner by pinfall:

Analysis: **3/4 That was a fun big man match with Wardlow looking impressive again and the fans really getting behind him. Archer is often booked to lose to the bigger names, but he has credibility as a legitimate badass that looks tough. I like Archer’s matches. You know Wardlow is going to win this match, but at least Archer has enough credibility to believe that he might win. A lot of AEW guys don’t have that.

Wardlow celebrated the win without any music playing as the fans chanted “Wardlow” for the big man. MJF was yelling about it. Wardlow was handcuffed and escorted to the back again.

Analysis: They are obviously building to Wardlow having a match against MJF in order to free Wardlow of his contract with MJF. That should probably happen at Double or Nothing. It’s just a matter of how they set it up. They have a month to figure it out.

(Commercial)

Sit-Down Discussion: Jericho Appreciation Society and Kingston, Ortiz & Santana

The Jericho Appreciation Society made up of Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Matt Minard, Angelo Parker & Daniel Garcia. They walked out to “Judas” with the fans singing along. There was a table in the ring along with some chairs while the announcers talked about how they have agreed to no physicality or else they would be fined.

Analysis: Judas is a good song, but I think they should cut the song earlier or just get rid of it when it comes to this group. It’s too fan-friendly for a heel group.

Angelo Parker called Tony Khan “the world’s greatest promoter” saying Tony knows that sports entertainers (a WWE term) are best for business (a WWE phrase), which drew boos. Angelo said that in order to have this sit-down, they had to give their word to Mr. Khan and the AEW Galaxy (a reference to WWE referring to their fans as the WWE Universe), which drew boos and Parker said that there will be no physicality in this ring tonight. Parker said it’s been agreed upon by all of them.

The trio of Eddie Kingston, Santana & Ortiz made their entrance. Eddie was wearing a Bruiser Brody shirt, which was great. The three faces tossed their chairs down.

Jericho told the crowd to shut up with the “Eddie” chants. Jericho said that the Earth is 4.5 billion years old and you are lucky enough to be living in the Chris Jericho Era. Jericho said that the people pay to see the Jericho Appreciation Society. Jericho wanted Eddie to apologize for having JAS kicked out of Rampage last week. Ortiz said he had something better than an apology, so he reached in his pocket and gave Jericho a middle finger salute. Santana did a middle finger salute too. Santana told Jericho turned his back on the two dudes that know him best. Garcia ripped on them thinking they are the best and Garcia ripped on Eddie’s eyebrows. Garcia said it’s not like they can hit JAS.

Kingston said he hated this crap, he hates this table, he’s not a fan of The Sopranos and he can’t stand this sports entertainment crap. Kingston said to stop with the crap and let’s fight. Kingston said he didn’t care if it was 5 on 3. Jericho said that it is 5 on 3. Jericho said that they will take them out one by one. Kingston asked Jericho if he knew what a “hit” is with Eddie saying in his world, that means you end things. Jericho wondered if Eddie was going to hit him and get kicked out of another wrestling company. Jericho told him to shut his mouth and do what he’s told…bitch. Eddie said he can smell the fear coming off Jericho while Eddie added that a “hit” in their world means you put somebody in the ground. Eddie wondered if Jericho was prepared to do that. Eddie said “nah” and left. Jericho had a serious look on his face.

Analysis: Strong promo work from everybody involved. Kingston is a fun guy to listen to while Jericho knows how to get heat. It seems like they are building to a Blood & Guts match at some point if the Kingston, Santana & Ortiz can get two more guys to join the feud. The reason I’m pointing out WWE phrases is because the purpose of this group is to get heat by doing WWE things and saying WWE things because they know it riles up the AEW audience. It works, so it’s smart by them.

Sammy Guevara, the TNT Champion, was backstage with Tay Conti for a pre-tape promo. Sammy said he’ll beat Sky for the third time in Sammy’s match, the Ladder Match. Sammy trashed Sky, then talked about how the future was bright and kissed Tay as well

Philly Street Fight: Serena Deeb vs. Hikaru Shida

This feud has been going on for several months with two wins for each woman. Shida brought a kendo stick into the ring. Shida with a clothesline followed by punches. Serena came back with punches of her own. Shida with a kick to the arm followed by a missile dropkick that sent Serena out of the ring. Shida grabbed a steel chair that she was going to jump off, but Serena went back into the ring. Shida had Serena on the top rope leading to Shida hitting a running knee. Shida went for a running knee off the apron, Serena used the chair and hit Shida in the knee. Serena hit a kneebreaker onto the chair. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

Serena was in full control while Shida was selling the left knee injury. Serena attacked the right knee earlier, but now it switched to the left. Shida countered a Serena move to send Serena into the opened up chair in the ring. Serena went under the ring, she had a bag of powder (Fuji Dust~!) and threw the powder in Shida’s eyes. Serena hit Shida with multiple kendo stick shots to the back. Shida with a back body drop to get out of a move. Shida had to sell the idea that she couldn’t see, so she was swinging a kendo stick wildly until Shida connected with a kendo shot that knocked Deeb out of the ring. Shida got a water bottle, poured it on her face to clear her eyes and she could see again. Shida hit a dropkick off the steel steps to knock Serena down. Shida hit Serena with kendo stick shots to the body. Shida went for a spinning knee attack, but Serena blocked it with a chair to the knee. Serena went up top, Shida back up with a chair and Shida hit Serena in the back with the chair. Shida hit an Avalanche Falcon Arrow off the middle rope for two. The fans chanted “Holy Shida” for Shida as Shida hit Serena in the ribs with a kendo stick. Serena kicked off the ropes to avoid a pin. Serena countered a Shida move with a gouge to the eyes followed by a Deebtox sitout slam on the chair. Serena applied the Serenity Lock, but Shida got to the ropes with no rope breaks. Serena rammed the left knee into the chair repeatedly. Serena applied a Texas Cloverleaf submission, Shida tapped out and Deeb got the win after 12 minutes.

Winner by submission: Serena Deeb

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that likely ends the feud with Serena getting the win to build her up for a title shot. I think they could have done a better job of using weapons in the match since it was a Street Fight. It wasn’t that violent compared to Britt Baker and Thunder Rosa matches with weapons in the past. Shida got one good nearfall, but that was it. It made sense for Serena to win, so the result is fine with me.

Thunder Rosa was shown watching on a TV backstage with Rosa nodding her head. Obviously, they are going with Rosa vs. Deeb for the title.

MJF and Shawn Spears were interviewed by Lexy Nair, MJF got her name wrong and when she corrected him, MJF yelled at Lexy to get out of his frame. MJF said that he’s got a plan. MJF called somebody asking if they want to make six figures for one match. MJF said that Wardlow will face a man who is smarter than him, stronger than him, taller than him and you can’t teach that.

Analysis: The reference is that Wardlow will face W. Morrissey aka the former Big Cass in WWE. He works for Impact Wrestling or at least he has been working there.

(Commercial)

The House of Black trio of Malakai Black, Brody King and Buddy Matthews had Fuego Del Sol in their hands and they were about to unmask him. Alex Abrahantes did a promo saying that it’s sacrilegious to take a mask from a luchador. Alex said that he was dressed like this because they were waiting for the right moment to blindside them. Penta Oscuro made his entrance joined by Pac. Alexa Abrahantes walked out from the back, so it wasn’t him in the ring, it was…Rey Fenix. Good to see Fenix back! That led to a brawl with Fenix hitting a spin kick on Buddy while the other guys were fighting on the floor. Fenix jumped off the top with a double foot stomp on Matthews. Pac and Penta celebrated in the ring with Fenix, so that Death Triangle was united. Pac, Penta & Fenix each hit dives onto the three heels on the floor. It’s so nice of the heels to wait there for 20 seconds for guys to jump on them. Excalibur said there are so many strong Trios tag team teams in AEW, which is probably a hint that Trios Tag Team Titles (aka Six-Man Tag Team Titles) are likely coming soon.

Analysis: This was fine. It should be a great match whenever they have it. It’s a shame that Malakai Black isn’t doing more in AEW. They should be pushing him as a singles wrestler. The roster is so loaded, though, that he has been lost in the shuffle and part of this storyline that has been moving so slowly. I miss when Pac was pushed too. Fenix and Penta are also two of my favorites.

Swerve Strickland and Darby Allin were interviewed by Tony Schiavone. They are facing eachother on Rampage. Swerve talked about how it is Swerve’s House while Darby said that AEW is Darby’s House since he’s been there since day one.

The Undisputed Elite group consisting of Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish entered first along with their tag team partners, The Young Bucks with stooge Brandon Cutler. The guys that are obviously losing the match were already in the ring.

The Undisputed Elite (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) v. Brian Pillman Jr., Griff Garrison, Brock Anderson, Dante Martin & Lee Johnson

Martin dropkicked Matt, then an armbar on Kyle and Brian delivered a chop. Garrison tagged in, he held Kyle and Brian knocked him down. Both Bucks were in the ring illegally, Johnson jumped off the top with a cross body block and Anderson hit a clothesline. Fish with an Exploder on Brock and Martin hit a springboard dropkick on Fish. Johnson hit a dive to the floor, Martin with a leap off the top and a jump to the floor. They went to a commercial break.

(Commercial)

Johnson was legal against Kyle with a clothesline, the Bucks went in illegally and hit a double superkick. Fish and Kyle hit high/low kicks. Young Bucks knocked the guys off the apron. Nick kicked Garrison, Nick with a move slamming Johnson’s head into the mat and a backflip off the apron. The Bucks did more double team moves on the guys on the floor. I think Matt was legal, he tagged in Nick, who tagged Kyle, who tagged Fish, who tagged Cole. That meant five tags in a row. There was a four-way BTE Trigger and Cole hit a running Boom knee to the head for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Undisputed Elite (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish)

Analysis: ** Just an average match with no storyline or heat of any kind. I was bored by it. We only got to see about three minutes on the full screen. People don’t buy 60-inch TVs to watch picture in picture action. Go to commercial during the entrances instead of the match. I’m shocked that The Young Bucks have been without an interesting storyline for so long. You would think company executives would be featured more, but it isn’t happening.

Post match, Adam Cole gave The Young Bucks some “Undisputed Elite” shirts so all five guys in the group were wearing shirts. They posed together.

There was a parking lot scene with Matt Minard from JAS bringing a camera over to show Santana & Ortiz were down on the cement. Eddie Kingston was being held by JAS and Jericho threw a fireball into Eddie’s face, so Eddie was grabbing his face and screaming about it. Some others in AEW went over to check on Eddie. The announcers put it over as a disgusting attack.

Analysis: The dreaded fireball to the face by Jericho makes it even more personal. I assume Eddie will show up in a mask or eye patch in the future.

This Friday on AEW Rampage:

* Swerve Strickland vs. Darby Allin with Uncle Sting in an Owen Hart Cup Men’s Tournament Qualifier Match.

* Hook and Danhausen will have a “face to face confrontation” which drew cheers from the crowd.

* Jade Cargill, Red Velvet & Kiera Hogan vs. Willow Nightingale, Trish Adora & Skye Blue.

* Colten Gunn vs. Keith Lee

* Samoa Joe defends the ROH TV Championship vs. Trent Beretta. They showed some comments from both guys.

Next Wednesday on AEW Dynamite:

* ROH Women’s Championship: ROH Women’s Champion Deonna Purrazzo vs. ROH Women’s Interim Champion Mercedes Martinez. So that is Deonna’s first time on AEW TV.

* Wardlow vs. MJF’s Mystery Opponent (W. Morrisey)

* Bobby Fish vs. Jeff Hardy an Owen Hart Cup Men’s Tournament Qualifier Match.

I assume they add more because that’s not a strong lineup yet.

(Commercial)

Scorpio Sky entered as the challenger in the TNT Title match. Sky was accompanied by Ethan Page, who barely gets to wrestle in AEW and Dan Lambert, who went down to the ring with Sky. Sammy Guevara was booed as the heel TNT Champion with girlfriend Tay Conti by his side. Sammy walked under the ladder like Razor Ramon to show he wasn’t nervous about it. Sammy and Tay shared a sloppy kiss.

TNT Championship Ladder Match: Sammy Guevara vs. Scorpio Sky

They started brawling on the floor before even getting into the ring. Sky worked over Sammy with punches to the body. Sky sent Sammy throat first onto the top of the guardrail along with a whip into the guardrail. Sky grabbed the ladder that was on the ramp, so they didn’t have any of them near the ring? Anyway, Sammy went for a dive, Sky avoided it and hit Sammy with the ladder. They were battling at the bottom of the ramp with Sammy hitting a German Suplex on the bottom of the ramp. Sammy set up the big ladder under the title that was hanging above the ring. Sky brought Sammy back down and Sammy came back with a catapult, but then Sky climbed up the ladder a bit. Sammy pulled Sky back to send him from the ladder to the mat. Sammy climbed up, Sky went after him, Sammy kicked Sky down and Sammy was too far away from the title. Sammy decided to do a twisting dive off the ladder onto Sky, but he missed Sky and Sammy went head/neck first into the mat! Ouch. That was crazy. Brutal bump there. You have to be smarter than that. It looked like Sammy’s head bounced off the mat and it looked very dangerous. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

There were two ladders in the ring with Sammy on the ground getting checked on by two referees because of Sammy’s rough landing on his head. Sky had to climb really slow to wait for Sammy to get back in the ring. Sammy steadied a second ladder, he jumped off and Sky hit an impressive Cutter off the ladder! That was an awesome spot and the fans popped big for it. Sky pulled out a ladder with barbed wire wrapped around it as the fans chanted “ECW” for it. Sammy gave Sky a Spanish Fly slam onto the barbed wire ladder. Sammy brought Lambert into the ring, then Conti went into the ring and kicked Lambert in the groin. Paige Vanzant went out there to exchange punches with Conti. Sky and Sammy got into a brawl as well. Paige’s worked punches looked weak and like she wasn’t touching her at all. Paige celebrated, so Conti kicked her and Sammy knocked down Sky. Sammy and Tay had an in-ring makeout session, which drew boos. Sammy brought the barbed wire ladder into the ring. Sammy set up the barbed wire ladder against the rope leading to Sky hitting a flatliner. Conti climbed on Sky’s back while Vanzant jumped on Sammy’s back and the guys climbed to the top of the ladder. The girls went back down to throw more silly-looking punches and kicked eachother to send them both out of the ring. Sammy with a middle finger, Sky bit the finger and shoved Sammy down. Sammy was back up with punches that knocked Sky down. Sammy reached up for the title, but Sky flipped it over leading to Sammy bumping off the ladder back-first onto the ladder with the barbed wire. Sky climbed the ladder, Sammy jumped off the ropes onto the ladder and Sky knocked Sammy down again. Sky reached up and grabbed the TNT Title to win after 14 minutes.

Winner AND NEW TNT Champion: Scorpio Sky

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a good ladder match, but not necessarily a great ladder match. This title has changed hands a lot this year so far, so why not another one? It was a pretty good match where Sammy’s dangerous bump stole the show so to speak because when I saw that happened it’s really what I will remember most about this match. I can understand Sammy wanting to do big moves to stand out, but that spot was so dangerous. That move by Sky hitting a Cutter off the ladder was outstanding. The crowd really got into it after that. Nice bump by Sammy onto the ladder match with the barbed wire on it. That was good. Sky won soon after that.

Post match, Scorpio Sky celebrated with the TNT Title. Frankie Kazarian went into the ring since Sky agreed to give him a title shot after Sky won, so they touched hands to acknowledge that deal. Sky celebrated some more. That was it.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Dax Harwood/Cash Wheeler
2. Scorpio Sky
3. Wardlow

The Scoreboard

This Week: 7.5 out of 10

Last Week: NR

Final Thoughts

A good wrestling show for the most part. I think they are lacking storylines in some cases and just throwing random tag team matches out there just isn’t that interesting sometimes. Dax vs. Cash was my favorite match while Sky beating Sammy for the TNT Title was a solid match although I think what was most memorable about that was Sammy’s crazy bump off a ladder. I think they’re doing too many TNT Title changes while other titles in AEW almost always have long reigns. I’m glad they made Hangman Page vs. CM Punk official at Double or Nothing.

They are doing a nice job of building up the Jericho Appreciation Society story with Kingston, Ortiz & Santana by making it feel like a personal rivalry. Wardlow is obviously gaining popularity with the fans due to his feud with MJF. Clearly, that feud is working.

It was an easy show to watch as usual. Lots of action. I’m just saying they need to book some matches that leave some doubt about who is going to win because a lot of it so predictable (like both multi-man tag team matches), so that takes the fun out of it sometimes. I think that at times they just book 6-man and 10-man tags just to give people an easy TV win. What’s better? Building it with a story. Stories are good.

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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Raptors, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport