Gordi the former AEW fan

I think Bear Boulder might actually be my favourite current professional wrestler (after MiSu, Ishii, Lulu Pencil, and the wrestlers I've hung out or been drinking with). I am probably the high voter on Manabu Nakanishi around these parts and that's in huge part because of how Yajin would occasionally come up with an impressively creative way to use his otherworldly strength and power in a match. Boulder does that CONSTANTLY. That double powerslam was crazy. I loved the crowd on today's Dark. The "Do a flip!" and " Holy $#@t! " chants were great and everyone yelling "YOU!" after Janela taunted the crowd with "Who sucks now?" was priceless.

Wow. Nailed it! Dolfstradamus strikes again! So, does this count as proof that WWE "Creative" literally books their shows by sitting around asking "What would be the most disappointing thing that could happen?" Also nailed it! See, here I'm now sitting by myself, uh, er, talking to myself. That's, that's chaos theory. Watched the Rumble while chatting online MST3K style with a small group of wrestling friends. And so, I enjoyed myself for four hours. The actually wrestling, per se, was all really good. The set was amazing. It was cool to see, like, Molly and Ivory agan. But - Good Lord! - the non-stop swooping camera cuts and corporate-speak. Yikes. And, uh, the booking. Oh me, oh my. Might watch the WWE Rambo again next year, but this particular iteration of Sports Entertainment is very much not for me. I'm kinda sad, but also kinda relieved, that it seems like basically no one anywhere really enjoyed this show.

Edit/Quote confusion. Again. Um: Mr. Jackie Fargo? Mr. Jimmy-Jack Funk? Mutilator Jack Foley? Mountie Jean-Pierre LaFitte Monstrous Jacob Fatu? Monsieur Jean Ferre?

My guess is that in this case, when he said it will be CM Punk vs MJF... "MJF" stands for Mr. Jerry Flynn.

I feel like, if FTR vs Shotty and el hijo del Enforcer had -move for move, beat-for-beat - taken place in a territory in the early 80s we'd still be talking about it today and it would be one of those low-key connoisseur's choice matches that show up with a handful of votes on GOAT match discussions. I also really liked the contrast between the meat and potatoes of that match and the flashy reversals of the tag title match. OOPS! meant to post that in the Ramage thread, obviously.

Got no eye dear.

The Meme Team

It's gotta be because they are heels. I loved BTE when they were faces, and I LOVED Wrestlers on the Road Getting Room Service (or whatever that was called). Like @Casey says about those other blogs, I genuinely enjoyed all the "backstage stuff, traveling, home life, etc." and I miss it now. I loved the skits where different wrestlers defended the BTE title in goofy-ass games and contests. Seeing Eddie Kingston mark out over people playing Uno backstage warmed my heart like crazy! But I get why they don't wanna do any heartwarming stuff now that they are bad guys.

I think it's interesting to navel-gaze about "Do wins and losses really matter (to me)?" In some cases, like say Danielson vs Kenny, for me personally, "Who's gonna win this one?" becomes a big part of my anticipation and excitement. I buy into the nearfalls and pop several times and it makes it all cooler and more exciting. That's the best. I love when I get fooled by a 2.999... But it's not like I think the guy who wins is a "better" wrestler because they won. In a case like "seasoned veteran mid-card stalwart vs young up and comer" I guess there's a sense of "wondering if they will put the young guy over" but for the most part I'm just hoping for a good match. If Frankie Kazarian is in the ring, I am generally really confident that I am getting a good match. I joke about wanting to see Legit Leyla, JD Drake, and Bear Country run wild, win every match, and hold all the belts. But in fact their lower-card striver status is a big part of what I love about them. And, with Tay Conti as an example, we know that it's legit possible to climb the ladder from the YouTube shows to the main event in AEW. So that's exciting, but for me personally they can lose every "big" match and I'll still be stoked to see them. And Jeff Jarrett in TNA or HHH in, I dunno, 2004 WWE or whomever can win every important match and it actually makes me like them less. if Cody never lost, people would genuinely f'n despise him. His willingness to put other wrestlers over big is one of the best things about him as a professional wrestler. It's cool and to interesting to have a variety of opinions and takes. I'm genuinely surprised that so many people (here and elsewhere) seem to actually give two craps about who wins and who loses in the mid-card. I'd kind of assumed that we all cared more about seeing lots of good exciting matches, and that a good worker doesn't need to go over to stay over.

I've got your back! I think one of the reasons I have remained a crazed fan of pro wrestling for so many years is that I often take a break from pro wrestling if I don't feel like watching. I'm the same way with going to the gym. My take is that a hobby should never feel like an obligation. Of course, you are an exception since you have actual obligations w/r/t Segunda Caida stuff... I had a chance to watch the GCW in New York show... but went for lunch with my wife instead. It was the right choice, even though I'm sure I would have really enjoyed the Hammerstein show. I don't get to eat lunch with my wife often enough. She's a hospital nurse, and has been busy giving injections on her days off. I just read the results of the GCW show, rather than feeling like I had to watch it later... Anyway, today I've got sufficient time and energy... Erica Leigh vs. The Bunny I think differently about Anna, Penelope, and the Bunny now, ever since that bloody violent tag match. (I don't think much differently about Tay Conti, because she was already a favourite). I liked The Bunny before that match, but mostly because she was so good at being unlikable (which isn't easy). But, with that post-tag shift in perception her in-ring work now seems tighter and more impressive to me as well. 2point0 and Daniel Garcia vs. Pat Brink, Rayo, and Kekoa Speaking of unlikability as a skill... For three kind of smallish, kind of goofy-looking dudes, these guys have done a great job of getting over as badass heels. Hats off to them for that! Now they run the risk of being so enjoyably hateable that the fans will start getting behind them. Lance Archer vs. Joe Keys Who doesn't love a Lance Archer squash? They're obviously giving him a little bit longer matches to knock some ring rust off and help him get his wind back up. That's cool with me, because it allows more time for him to screw with the crowd (and with that one little girl in particular). I think he does a darned fine job of straddling the "he's enjoying himself/he's kind of a dick" line. “Legit” Leyla Hirsch vs. Janai Kai @DEAN said, w/r/t Elevation: The last match was good. Everything else? BLECH! B...b...but I'm pretty sure the Legit One had a match on Elevation? Did she have a bad match? Kai certainly has an interesting look. I'd like to see her in a group with that dude who has the big video game hair. Maybe as Hook's constantly-rejected wannabe video-game fighter-looking lackeys? Hirsch sure got a lot of classic heeling in, considering how succinct this match was. Gunn Club and The Acclaimed vs. Dark Order’s Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, Alan “5” Angels, and 10 I like Billy Gunn's hot pink shoes. And of course The Ass Boys being all mad about The Acclaimed calling them the Ass Boys was classic stuff. "What were the two words gonna be, Tazz?" ? "You are horrible at math." ? There was some tremendous stooging in the match itself, and a cool finisher. Wheeler Yuta vs. Penta El Zero Miedo This was exactly what it needed to be, letting Yuta look strong enough in defeat. The little bit of handshake-based storytelling was a nice touch. I have to imagine PEZM's shtick-heavy performance would be pretty fun in a live setting. Jungle Boy vs. Nick Comoroto I think that the "David vs Goliath match where Goliath is in fact kind of the underdog" is a real AEW specialty, and I think that they keep getting better and better at booking and laying out that kind of match. Comoroto looks awesome in his new blue gear. The jacked-up dude in the crowd wearing a Macho Man t-shirt doing the inflatable tube wave to JB's entrance theme looked like he was having a great time. I got too into the wrestling and forgot to watch for @NikoBaltimore's "Thank you Uncle Tony" sign. Anybody catch it?

My take would be that I don't think we actually know why Rush is leaving AEW, and it seems kind of distasteful to speculate that it's about his personality, particularly considering that no details have been released. I'd also argue that neither side owes us any details. Anyway, word on the street is that Pretty Peter Avalon, Joey Janela, Brian Cage, and Marko Stunt are all working on soon to be expired and not yet renewed contracts. I'd assume Cage is the best bet for anyone who is hoping to hear trash talked about Tony Khan or AEW after their release. I enjoy watching all of those guys, Avalon in particular. I enjoyed watching Rush and Swole. I wouldn't mind seeing any of them back in AEW, permanently or as a one-off. I hope they all benefit from the exposure and experience, regardless of whether they are complimentary or critical on their way out the (forbidden) door. I also think AEW will be just fine without them.

Is this you??? If so? AWESOME!

Well, that was certainly a very entertaining hour of the professional wrestling. I was kinda worried about them putting two inexperienced wrestlers into a 10-minute-plus main event match... but that was really good! In particular, that counter from the Jaded into the Queenslayer was SWANK. And I agree that Hungee makes a fine valet. He was very entertaining in his role. Mox looks totally different now. Really striking. MOX VS AMDRAG?!?!?! YES PLEASE!!!!! Got a kick out of the Dinosaur Man growling "Apples!" Hey! You like apples? How do you like Apple Miyuki? Kind of selfish of Nick to put Trent over like that. What about all of the people whose hobby is moaning and bitching about the Young Bucks? What are they supposed to type about today, huh? "Yeah. From Venice. I've heard about those." ? "Knox is always in the way" ? That senton onto the ramp sounded SICK. I loved the Billy Robinson shout-out during the Hook match. And we get another sick ramp bump. This is ramp-age baby! I missed our boy @NikoBaltimore' sign. Hopefully someone can screen-cap it. Looking forward, as I said, to his Road Report. Looks like you made the right decision, buddy!

Could you also occasionally toss out a very slow hiccup, as a kind of subtle dig at the constant "Quck as a..." ?

Mask up and take care, my man! I am superduper looking forward to reading your Road Report on the show. Have a f'n GREAT time!

All Ego Ethan Page vs. All I Drink Now is Blood Jon Moxley Wonder if any jackholes in the crowd are going to yell offensive bullshit at Mox on Rampage. Definitely glad to see him back in the ring, and excited for this match-up. Curious to see if Mox fights any differently than before. Hook vs. Serpentico Holy cow! This has the potential to be really good! Hook is gonna throw Serpentico all over the ring. I wonder if Luther will be at ringside for this one. I'd like to see ole Lenny take a Hook-o-plex as well. How long until the Hook backlash starts up? It's inevitable, right? Ahhhh. Who cares? Let's enjoy this fully while we can. TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (champ) vs. Anna Jay Will Tay and Negative One be out there in Anna's corner? I think this'll be Jade's first defense of the title. I think differently about Anna Jay now then I did before that bloody, violent tag match. Hopefully she gets to shine a little before getting Jaded. Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta) vs. Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) Who's feeling nostalgic for 2015-2017 New Japan? Me, too! So, apparently, is Tony Khan! I'm unreasonably hyped up for this match.

I have somehow never seen this before. Shatner is a lot funnier when he isn't trying to be funny, but him doing Rey's theme is pertnear priceless.

It's actually pretty simple, in my opinion. Cody just takes himself too seriously. He could stand to lighten up a little. Edit: That being said, "Gunnar McGillibuddy" was pretty funny. Got a laugh out of me.

"Henny Youngman is an old man, but Gary Oldman is a young man!" - Norm MacDonald

The Bastard, The Dark Order, The Acclaimed, The Son of a Son of a Plumber, The Elite Hunter, The Cleaner, The Native Beast, The Librarian, The Magical Girl,The Redeemer, The Young Buck (which we saw twice for some reason), The Butcher, The Blade, The Bunny, The Queenslayer, The Living Dead Girl, The Concrete Rose, The Chairman, The Exalted One, The Mad King, The Natural, The World's Strongest Man, The Kentucky Gentleman, The American Dragon. and The Anxious Millennial Cowboy. I might have missed a couple. I dunno. Seems pretty random to me. Can't see any connection to AEW.

Damn straight, Eddie Kingston! Atsushi Kotoge is indeed a very good pro wrestler, and a damned fine young man to boot. I HATED what they did to him at the NOAH vs NJPW show. I'd love to see Kotoge fight Eddie Kingston one on one!

I don't wanna be controversial but in my opinion Everett didn't wrestle that match much like Andre. Cole vs The Artist Formerly Known As ? was a NASTY opening match. Didn't expect Trent to take so many neck bumps. Acclaimed 's diss track video was pretty funny. Penelope's braids looked really nice. As did the alien lady's powerslam and everything she did from the hawt tag through the spider crab. Ah one Ah two Ah skiddly diddly do! IT'S!! TIME!! for the MAIN!! EVENT!! MAMA MIA!! That tope/suplex combo, that 4-storey tower suplex... that hawt nearfall!! (eeeeeehhhh, that finisher....) I predicted fun. BOOM! Gordstradamus strikes AGAIN.

Sammy beating Miro for the TNT title. Maybe Shawn Dean "beating" MJF also counts?

A boy and his dinosaur vs Hungee Silver and Alex Darkorder! A couple of years ago I had no idea who any of these dudes were. Now I know exactly what to expect out of this match-up (Fun. I expect a lot of fun here). Prediction? Johnny pops the crowd big time at least once. I'm not going to predict any bad guy shenanigans from another team wanting a shot at the titles, but don't quote me on that. Legit Leyla!!!.(also A Cake and an Alien) vs Three mean ladies. Hirsch has totally gone from "Who?" (not Jim Neidhart) to one of my very favourites in a really short time. Prediction? Suplexes and nose-booping and cake-stirring and some dissention in the babyface ranks. Trent Gothislastnameback vs Adam Bay Bay. I know who these guys are cuz they useta wrestle in Japan. I live in Japan. Have I mentioned that before? Prediction? Stiffness. Shawn Spears vs Andrew Everett. Apparently Everett is making his debut and he wears a single shoulder singlet... and his nickname seems to actually be "the Giant" as in Andrew the Giant... which sets my expectations EXTREMELY high since Andre is in my all time top ten favourites, mostly for how insanely great he was working in Japan but also for a bunch of other stuff. I feel like I'm supposed to already know who Everett is but to be honest I have zero recollection of ever hearing his name before... Though maybe the singlet/nickname stuff is throwing me off? Is he an Impact guy? That would explain it. Don't really have time to get into Impact even though a lot of people say it's pretty good now. Prediction? Most likely some Wardlow/Punk/MJF storyline advancement here. But not necessarily, what with AEW's love of throwing the occasional curve ball. Overall: Prediction? FUN!! (And you can quote me on that).