AEW TV - 11/8 - 11/14/2023 - Bait and Switchblade

[DreamBroken]

10 hours ago, Curt McGirt said:

EDIT: Hell, if the crowd wouldn't revolt upon sight, Austin Aries would be the smallest and most annoying leader humanly possible. 

Even if most hate him these days, he's forever one of my favorites, I would absolutely love this if it were possible. He'd be a great fit. 

My personal Devil pick from outsiders/known free agents, is Sami Callihan.  Switchblade Conspiracy~!

 

[Curt McGirt]

To each their own but my Sami opinion is still "stay in TNA". And grow your hair out again! You look silly bald.

[Curt McGirt]

Let the love for that Rampage main begin in 3... 2...

I said to myself out loud, "Kid, don't hit the table..." and what does Vikingo do? I just yelled "JEEZUS!" out loud like Zandig. Thank god he wasn't hurt.

[Gordi the former AEW fan]

Rampage has, recently, been my favourite AEW show because it's been the show that hews most closely to the goofy old school AEW that I loved so much and miss so dearly. Particularly in the sense of just throwing wrestlers together to have fun or great matches.

This weeks show felt VERY Sports Entertain-y to me. To a disconcerting degree. The focus seems to be shifting hard toward "why are they fighting" and away from the fights (ahem) per se.

I was massively bummed out to see that Nigel was on commentary today. I think I need a whole big Navel Gazing post to explain why. I'll do one, eventually, when I have the time and inclination.

(Basically, I like my characters to be more honest, my bullshit to be more *obviously* bullshit and I am not looking to satisfy my nostalgia cravings when I am watching current wrestling. It might make sense if and when I go on and on about it).

As it turned out, though, Nigel was mostly fine. His refusal to pronounce "Vikingo" correctly aside.

The main event was predictably great, but I really really wish they had ended on the wonderful show of respect and allowed at least one match to just exist as a fine match, rather than making *everything* into angle advancement.

Probably today I am predisposed to be a bit negative, though. 

Personal stuff... FEEL FREE TO SKIP IT: 

Spoiler

My younger brother passed away yesterday. He "struggled with personal demons." We drifted apart. Hadn't spoken in years. Heard from my nephew yesterday. My brother was found unconscious in a hotel and taken to hospital. They revived him briefly, but his heart gave out. As I said, we were no longer close. But I am pretty sure the last thing we said to each other (about 5 years ago) was "Love ya." Which is true. 

 Probably not a bad idea to say that, if it's true, when you have the chance. Never know if it will be your last opportunity to do so.

PLEASE don't post condolences on this thread. I don't want to derail it or make it about me, I will feel like an asshole if that happens, and I already know I have a lot of friendly and sympathetic ears here. And I appreciate that. also: Please don't give me a crying emoji.

On the upside: Happy Birthday to Dump Matsumoto, The Greatest Heel Ever!

Also: Metalik, HBK, and Hulk Hogan don't do jobs, brother. Everyone knows that!

Maybe I'll post an amusing/ historical picture of Giant Baba here later..

Edited November 11, 2023 by Gordlow

[Curt McGirt]

Nigel was actually really good at... one of the shows recently, I can't remember which, probably a Collision. He had some solid one-liners that reminded of Bobby, actually. 

BUT. That said, I typically find him disingenuous too. 

Edited November 11, 2023 by Curt McGirt

[Phantom Lord]

Rampage was good this week. If you didn't watch the FTR/Vikingo & Kommander match you should find it and do so. This match was everything I love about AEW. Great action and lots of near falls.

I don't know how Mexican wrestling politics work, but AEW needs to do more with Vikingo. That was a lively crowd for him during the match.

[Curt McGirt]

Typical Japanese woman: generally tiny. 

Next to Giant Baba: REALLY REALLY TINY.

[Cobra Commander]

Low Ki clearly isn't the Devil because the devil isn't wearing a suit and hasn't kicked anybody in the face randomly

[Matt D]

@Gordlow What you'll get from me, per wishes, is some mild logic.

This was an abnormal Rampage due to the flux of taping. It was the first hour of a three hour West Coast taping on the road to a PPV which disrupted the booking. Normally, Rampage is a bit of an afterthought taped after Dynamite. Here it was leading into both Collision and Full Gear. I imagine within a week or two, we're back to the usual vibes of Komander vs Archer or Wheeler vs Hobbs or what have you.

[Curt McGirt]

The main got a standing O and totally deserved it. Natural is gonna flip. 

The rest of the show... I dunno. I missed Ricky so I should probably go watch that now. Red Velvet/Ruby felt overly long; after the suplexes I thought Velvet was done but they kept going. The flowers from (maybe) Cool Hand Ange though they were Fletcher's green and white was angletastic. I did like the squash just cuz it was mean. 

[JLowe]

First, @Gordlow, sending love and healing vibes to you and your family.

Second, I agree about the last minute of Rampage, took away a little from a mind-glowingly great main event. What a showcase for Vikingo especially. Just a joy to watch and I kept honestly wondering whether they would have a fluke win because why the fuck not?

Take away the nonsense and the Ruby Soho-Red Velvet match was excellent.

Bill on commentary was probably the best part of the opening match. Ricky is great, Pres10 not so much.

Don’t even remember the other match, been drinking.

Collision looks fun, will be watching Sunday due to college football.

[hobo joe]

The whole intriguing thing about MJF and Cole was knowing one of them was going to turn on the other but not knowing who, when, or why? Then Cole punked his ankle and that metaphorical “who’s the bad guy” has to be represented by a literal dude in a devil mask.

The devil really needs to be either Cole or MJF. MJF is more interesting, he could unmask after the goons attack Cole, but I don’t know who the goons would be. Cole makes more sense as the goons are obvious. The problem is they’re gonna drag this out til Cole’s healthy and that’s gonna be what? Double or Nothing?

Regarding Hollywood Jack Perry, he needs to be back soon and return in a meaningful way (and TK should cut a check to Timberlake for the entrance music) It would make sense for him to pop up along Christian again and cost Darby, Sting, and Edge the match at Full Gear.

Jungle Boy settles into the heel role under Christian’s tutelage. Feuds with Edge and/or Darby. Eventually he leads Luchasaurus and Nick Wayne to turn on Christian building to the Edge Christian retirement tour. Fuck, maybe he even wins the TNT title.

[HarryArchieGus]

Re: Rampage
Starks v Vance was a solid opener. I like both Bill and Starks as singles, and as heater hoss/singles, but as a tag team they’re offering far less than a Championship team oughtta. They have little cohesion as a tandem, and their run seems to be featuring more Starks singles than tags. Is elevating Ricky enough to justify? Oh, and Bill was excellent on commentary. I’d love to see them move the straps back to an actual team worthy of the gold.  Jericho promo was good. This Lionheart babyface run is featuring far better promos than his regular standard bratty High School comedy shit. And sold, how do I see this DDT Takeshita bout? Nana/Callis promo was terrific. Heel manager collaborations are a beautiful thing. Jarrett and Co promo was good. Lethal would be better served not looking like shlub during his TV time. Dress the part of a champion. Ortiz has been doing well with his minutes. I hope he can find a new partner to rescue him from singles job duty. I skimmed passed Velvet v Soho. Please make Velvet a heel. Roddy segment/Kingdom Squash was excellent. Roddy is killing it, and the Kingdom are making the opportunity count. The Roddy/Kingdom/Andretti/DARIUS! promo was also solid. Daniel Garcia promo setting up a match with Andrade, fuck yes! Totally into this Angelo Parker/Ruby/Saraya/Daddy Magic sports and entertainment! Kommander/Vikingo v FTR was tremendous. Get the straps back on a worthy team. Terrific fun on Rampage this week.

Re: Dynamite
Excellent as expected MJF v Danny Garcia opener. OUTSTANDING Mark Briscoe video! More of These videos for more of the matches. Sell the matches!!! I'd love to see this company really get behind Mark Briscoe in a big way. He's an outstanding talker and worker. He's got IT! Darby/Sting v Outrunners did what it needed to. Toni Storm/Hik-a-roo segment was terrific. Finally, a good Toni Storm segment after dragging this excellent character thru the bad comedy mud. Looking forward to Toni being the championship gold standard again. Swerve v Penta was terrific fun. Hangman run-in was strong. This has been sloppy shitty storytelling, but they finally got to Strickland getting his comeuppance for the senseless (creatively and every other way) home invasion. Jay White promo was a little less than it needed to be. Street Fight video package was a bit lame, but god bless AEW for seeing the value in giving time to Video Preview Packages. MORE MORE MORE. Dug the Young Bucks/Jericho/Omega promo. Very into this bout. Samoa Joe v Keith Lee was fun. All things considered, Keith Lee is probably best suited in a tag situation. Let’s get the Pretty Boy Killers with Taylor happening again, pronto. Joe rules. Give em the belt. Ugh, less into the silly surrendering of the ROH TV Title. OC promo was fine. I skipped the Gunns v Bollywoods. Nice intensity in their promo post match. Mox promo was his standard fun. Skimmed Julia Hart v Red Velvet. The Division booking continues to struggle with these meaningless stories. Who fucking cares who’s friends with whom? How could I possibly be invested? Can we light the fire on Willowmania already!? Mariah May promo was kinda fun. Would’ve been a lot more effective if they showed a little video package of Stardom highlights prior to her Toni obsessing. Happy to see some fresh new talent to move passed this pretty rough and forgettable era of the Division. Mark Briscoe v Jay White was fucking excellent. The angle to close was fine, but if I’m honest, I don’t really give a shit about this Masked man/team. I did feel a little glee seeing the Assclaimed take a beating for their irritating comedy segments and shitty trios matches. Great show! This felt like a nice bounce back from the last couple weeks.

Edited November 11, 2023 by HarryArchieGus

[Go2Sleep]

FTR vs. Kommander/Vikingo was super fun. It reminded me of a peak NXT Takeover match. I'm glad they didn't go too long and just sprinted for 90% of it.

I was already in love with the Ruby/Angelo story, but now there's tension between Saraya and Menard too? That's quality sports entertainment.

Roddy popping out of his wheelchair to hit his finisher on some local jobbers is also quality sports entertainment. The Kingdom as a serious tag team never did anything for me, but Taven and Bennett are can't miss now. I kinda hope these guys aren't involved in the devil story because their act is perfect right now.

[Matt D]

FTR vs Vikingo/Komander was very well put together for what it was. I liked the idea that FTR didn't want to be wrestling that match after things broke down but they couldn't stop Komander/Vikingo from keeping things moving. As a one time thing, I didn't mind it for a FTR dynamic (though i generally hate how most tags over the last ten years break down mid-way and never come back). I would have liked it more if there were 2-3 minutes of it after the hot tag with that same feel of things just getting out of hand in a way that they couldn't control and then FTR would find a way to take back over and settle things back down for a second bit of heat before it broke down again, but what are you going to do, right?

[zendragon]

I really enjoyed this episode of Rampage (minus Roddy) very glad that Velvet is back and its nice that she did do consecutive jobs. Weird thought we all know the JR story about telling Vince about Asian porn sites to get Gail Kim hired. Do you suppose Bruce had to show Vince Joanna Angel videos to get Ruby hired.

Very solid match between Starks and Vance. I don't get how some people hate Preston but think Wardlow is some can't miss main eventer? I think both guys are solid muscle hosses, but I do think both have an upper midcard ceiling. Congrats on the baby girl ROOOSH glad to have you back, looking forward to you hitting JD Drake tonight! 

Weird thought, given Joe and Punks and MJFs history.... it would make a sort of sense for PUNK to be The Devil...

Nice main event not too much to add but I would like to see some of these Lucha guys get storylines. Kinda feels like they get thrown out there like an old episode of nitro that had the 8 man scrambles or just to lose.

I enjoy Nigel and though he meshed very well with Tony. Total Jesse Ventura vibes for me

[Cobra Commander]

i've decided on my "nonsensical pick to be the devil"...

Swerve Strickland

Because whatever is going on in the Swerve-verse has to be convoluted and angle-tastic.

Don't even need to bring back Tattoo Guy and the Other Dude to be the goons. Maybe Swerve just absorbs Roddy's Friends.

[Coletti]

YOU LOOK LIKE A HOTDOG!!!

Also Nigel was on one tonight.

[Craig H]

1 hour ago, Cobra Commander said:

i've decided on my "nonsensical pick to be the devil"...

Swerve Strickland

Because whatever is going on in the Swerve-verse has to be convoluted and angle-tastic.

Don't even need to bring back Tattoo Guy and the Other Dude to be the goons. Maybe Swerve just absorbs Roddy's Friends.

I...well damn...this may be the very best suggestion for who is the devil.

[Phantom Lord]

Tonight was a really good episode of Collision. I purposely avoided the spoilers so I could go in watching fresh and it's a nice feeling to do that. 

Andrade vs. Garcia was a good opener. I liked Miro looking on from the back. That should be a good feud with him and Andrade. This match was good though. Garcia needs a title. Maybe put him back in ROH to take back the Pure championship. But good win by Andrade as Miro laughs in the back.

Nick Wayne vs. Dalton Castle was a fun match. Dalton tossed Wayne around like a rag doll. I don't get the whole prodigy thing with Nick Wayne, but he can sure take a beating. I hope Dalton goes far in the eventual ROH Television title tournament. Maybe even win the thing.

Rush and Dralistico vs. Workhorsemen was all right. JD Drake is such an underrated big man so I'd like to see him get more chances to shine. Rush and Dralistico are being thrown into a very crowded tag title scene. 

Martin vs. Roddy was funny at points. I like Strong's gimmick at the moment so all the little things he does are pretty funny.

After the match we get an surprise announcement hyping up AEW's version of a G1. Bryan is there and he's gonna be in it. Ok cool. Cant complain about that.

Willow vs. Julia Hart was a good match. Julia continues to improve in these matches.

Hobbs killed some random jobber. I'm looking forward to him and Paul Wight standing off with each other on Wednesday. 

Darby Allin, Sting and Adam Copeland vs. Lance Archer and The Righteous was a fun six man. I hate that this new group of The Righteous and Archer were just formed and they lost all ready. Gotta build them up first Tony. But this was a good six man none the less. Darby looks like a crash test dummy being all taped up. I was surprised Sting was in this match as much as he was. Copeland was firing on all cylanders so I can't complain. At the end I liked after the loss you can barely see it, but Jake throws his hands up being all "thats just great". Like I said, I didn't like The Righteous and Lance Archer taking a loss in their first outing. 

Overall a really good show tonight. I think they can survive being taped once in a while.

[zendragon]

NO KEVIN KELLY!!!! according to Nigel on 77 day girls get eaten more? I'm gonna need someone to explain that to me

I'm very happy DRAKE got plenty of meat chopping time. This was one match I expected to go several minutes but instead goes through PIP!

Really good women's match, liked that Willow had the drop down trip that Julia used against Sky scouted. Nice attention to detail.

Say what you will but AEW has made THE GIANT feel like more of a special attraction than I ever remember him being in his last place of employment. Bad knees be damned I want to see this.

Roddy snuck onto another one of my shows... he's dragging down The Kingdom. I miss bathing Beauty Maria. 

[tbarrie]

Surprised to see Darius Martin doesn't even get a televised entrance or ring introduction any more.

[Cobra Commander]

Ricky Starks would be another idea if the goal of the Devil is to reignite something that was going on last winter due to a lack of other options

[Jenalysis]

16 hours ago, Craig H said:

I...well damn...this may be the very best suggestion for who is the devil.

 

And you can make up a reason for Swerve attacking Jay from their NJPW Strong history as well.

 

[Casey]

The Devil is CM Punk, until it isn’t, and then I’ll complain about it online and be massively disappointed that I set myself up like that.

It’ll probably be something lame like Adam Cole, who didn’t really need surgery but just some time off to heal up and they’re using that as a cover story or something.

or Jack Perry if they really want people to not care about the World title program. Which is entirely possible!