Jenalysis

The Inner Circle feels a bit like AEW's Dollar Store ripoff of LIJ, with Jericho as a washed-up Naito, Sammy as Hiromu , PnP as SANADA/EVIL (Yes, I know Evil betrayed and Shingo's a lot better), and Hager as a heavyweight MMA Bushi just there. Bear Country probably should be repackaged for Dynamite to be the tag goons for someone (Malakai maybe?)

That's MLW these days.

My top 10, with the caveat I'd have to have seen more than a few matches for them. Listing best, not most important to me, longevity of greatness that I saw being the big factor 1) Jushin LIger 2) Eddy Guerrero 3) Ricky Steamboat 4) Terry Funk 5) Arn Anderson 6) Hiroshi Tanahashi 7) Bryan Danielson ? Rey Mysterio 9) Bret Hart 10) Great Muta

Vickie would surprise me, given how close she is with Nyla.

Morrison really should be All Elite. He would have had a good run if he went there initially. Ryker will have a harder time finding a job than Nia Jax.

Tay's going to be doing brainbusters soon. Her new gimmick should be being all cute and nice to strong style Japanese legends and stealing their moves like a succubus.

Bring in Destro to fix him?

If you combine Omega's in-ring influence, with him being the reason AEW was even conceived and possible as a concept- Omega is the most influential pro wrestler of the past 20 years, and I would entertain the argument he was as influential as Bret/Rock, but not Hogan.

One thing I'm curious about. Did NJPW/Japanese stuff have more interest when you work mid shifts? I think my interest in NJPW was hurt a lot by no longer working overnight (EVIL's reign of mediocrity didn't help either)

Apparently it's the multiple claims make folks believe something is there. The standard on these things is court of public opinion/how many folks believe you did something unforgivable, not what's provable in a court. There's also the racism accusations by ACH, but I don't think many found those credible (I don't) I don't have a problem with Lethal personally (I don't know what he did and whether it's bad enough to be unforgivable) , but I think it's a bad signing, because he isn't a transcendent talent AEW needs (it's easy to name 10 folks better than Lethal in AEW now) , and because enough folks believe he's unforgivable that he might be more negative than positive to AEW.

The wrestling made sense to me too, as the buidup had MJF crapping on Darby's wrestling skills, so both had to show chops. Also it's an opener on a show with a lot of violence later, so they shouldn't so a full on hate match. As for Kenny, I thought it was a combo of injuries + being mega on the juice in NJPW and not wanting to juice in AEW.

Also Eddie didn't care about winning or losing, he got his pound of Punk's flesh so he got what he wanted. If you want to build Eddie up for a belt, he's gonna need a character arc though. The Lethal signing seems to have not worked well for AEW, lot of folks upset. The allegtions are beieved enough/bad enough that folks are angry. I wouldn't be surprised if Lethal isn't used much.

I'm surprised they went for Lethal instead of Bandido. Bandido made a misstep recently but seems like a good ambassador overall, and it wasn't an unforgivable one (he admittedly to knowing taking someone me-tooed and sticking them under a hood so they could work in Mexico) Show was incredible, 3 matches that were seriously great, and a 4th very very good. Also the best I've ever seen MJF.

It's too bad sting couldn't take the role Bill Watts did for him and beat the wrestling into Jade. That's what I think Jade needs, maybe stick her in feuds with Emi Sakura and Serena Deeb after this? as for Dante- you're seeing Ultimo Dragon, I'm seeing a likable Lightning Kid.

Not really. Kenny definitely isn't. Kenny would likely go back to NJPW instead, who would take him if only to job him out.

THe only guy they could turn Eddie heel on is Hangman. If they booed Mox they'll boo Eddie.

Taya vs Ivelisse street fight at wrestlecade was awesome as well. Taya also had some really good LU work. Being able to drag Sexy Star and Ivelisse to really good matches - she must have a miracle ability to work with assholes.

I'd say Taya and Ember about even, Mia a bit behind, Rox-C definitely needs to be signed, she's a better prospect than Anna Jay. I'd love to see AEW sign Josh Woods, he'd be unique there. Perhaps make him Malakai's enforcer, or have MJF bring him in to replace Wardlow?

Seen that low blow reversal spot a few times in NJPW. I think Silver watched Jay White vs Minoru Suzuki to get that one. (and they had the sense to have Jay being caught in the cookie jar and treated like a young boy be the finish)

That was a quality hour wrestling show. Eddie/Punk and Silver/Cole were exactly what they needed to be.

Hopefully Mox gets things straight.

Bad time for Mance as he just got hurt. Oliver is a guy I'd really want to see in BOSJ or in AEW. I think he's ready for that stage.

Jay White/Thunder Rosa, Gail Kim for friend.

Jay White was so good that he was on the list just from his rookie year in the Kindergarden Wrestling Federation?

Have Shida do one of her film things as a training montage on destroying Deeb as part of the buildup.