AEW TV - 5/22 - 5/28/2024 - Fill My Eyes, With That Double Vision!

[Technico Support]

4 hours ago, NikoBaltimore said:

 It doesn't feel like much of a leap for me to assume he either has done or knows somebody that would have a flamethrower for giggles. 

 

 

4 hours ago, Log said:

When I saw Darby with a flamethrower, my first thought was, "Oh, of course he has a flamethrower." I could buy that being something he had laying around the house.

He definitely used a flamethrower in one of those vignettes in the past.

[JLowe]

I also thought it was maybe a callback to Eddie’s classic moment walking out to the ring with a can of gasoline and having to be stopped by his teammates.

[Phantom Lord]

Last night was a pretty good episode of Dynamite. Match of the night was O'Reilly vs Black. I don't know why they keep Malakai on the sidelines. He could be having good matches on TV like this. Soon as the lights started flickering red I knew they would be doing the blood thing. They must have got a good discount on gallons o'blood used. I'm looking forward to the barbwire cage match. I hope it's a bloody one. Gotta respect Copeland wanting to do a crazy gimmick match like this at this point in his career. I guess anything is better than Ladders though.

I agree we need Bryan vs. Jarrett at some point this year. I liked this match with Sutnam Singh. The table breaking midway during the match was funny as hell. I liked the beat down at the end only for Darby to show up with SPACEBALLS THE FLAMETHROWER. It was just so random and perfect.

On a side note I cracked up early in the night (don't know how many people saw it) when Tony at the desk had to hide his can of Monster energy when it was in fully view. I guess even the official energy drink of AEW isn't up to Monster's standards. Has anyone found a can of WOOOOO energy out in the wild? I'm not a big energy drink person, but I'd be interested to try at least one.

 

[SovietShooter]

19 hours ago, Gordi the former AEW fan said:

In my opinion, flamethrowers are NOT "professional wrestling" 

I didn't pop for that, I didn't think it was cool, and it in no way made me more excited for Anarchy in the Arena.

To a large extent,  I agree. Like, at no point did I think that Darby was going to burn anyone. He might as well come out with a Tommy Gun.

However, if this is setting up something like an inferno match or flaming tables, it could make sense. 

But I'm also a guy that hated spots like getting hosed down from a beer or milk truck, so YMMV.

[Zakk_Sabbath]

Since they did the bloodbath maybe it wasn't really a flamethrower, but a tribute to Chyna's dumb ass pyro gun in keeping with a WWF 2000 theme

[Go2Sleep]

On the wrestlecrap side of things, Sonjay shattering the table was hilarious. I think it was mainly because they filmed a segment earlier where he couldn't break a pencil so easily.

During the blood bath, I was half-expecting Excalibur to say "viscous red liquid." Probably good that he showed that restraint, but I would've laughed.

[Matt D]

This is basically all I want from AEW:

 

[HarryArchieGus]

To Botch or not to botch - clearing the announce table prior to use to make sure there's nothing for your opponent to be potentially hurt by is one of my least favorite things about Pro Wrestling. 

Edited May 24, 2024 by HarryArchieGus

[MoeCristyV.1.6]

On the other side watch WM 30, where Orton takes a monitor to his back.... 

[SovietShooter]

10 hours ago, Go2Sleep said:

During the blood bath, I was half-expecting Excalibur to say "viscous red liquid." Probably good that he showed that restraint, but I would've laughed.

"Blood-like Substance"

[Technico Support]

9 hours ago, HarryArchieGus said:

To Botch or not to botch - clearing the announce table prior to use to make sure there's nothing for your opponent to be potentially hurt by is one of my least favorite things about Pro Wrestling. 

“I want to hurt you!  BUT those monitors have sharp edges!  I’m an asshole but I’m not a fucking asshole!”

[Matt D]

1 hour ago, Technico Support said:

“I want to hurt you!  BUT those monitors have sharp edges!  I’m an asshole but I’m not a fucking asshole!”

Sonjay doesn’t want to get fined for breaking monitors?

[HarryArchieGus]

I woke up early Thursday morning to view Dynamite in it's regular 630am slot, but got sidetracked by a sick cat and a power outage. The salty mood carried over into my initial viewing. I rewatched the show in the evening with a buzz and got far better results.

Terribly fun go-home show. Ospreay/Orange v Trent/Roddy was fantastic. Both pairings looked like teams worthy of title runs. I think we all continue to love the mysterious Callis/Orange story. Wardy's clothesline from behind was 'un-b-lee-va-bull'. I would've welcomed the blade from that spot. Wardy v Ospreay sounds like fun. That was a great preview of what I expect will be 2 excellent PPV bouts. Bucks/Dutt promo was terrific. I love the heel camaraderie the Bucks are creating. And very much dug Sonjay's pencil break, Dutt might need some more ppl to talk for. Jay/Asses/Death Triangle segment set the table just fine. Jeers to the Hook v Shibata v Keith ft. Jericho segment. Jericho needs to reel this character in, and better distinguish it from the superior Jacksons act. Takeshita v Sydal was a fantastic showcase. Mox's post match mic attack was on point. Stoked for this PPV pairing. Swerve v Nick Wayne was terrific. Nice win for Swerve. Also, loved his 'what up turds?' line to the Bucks just prior. Swerve's finding his championship groove. Nana sipping coffee blocking dastardly Christian was on point and a great Dynamite moment. Loved this. O'Reilly v Malakai was a nice little mid-show Nug! Black's looking healthy and great again. Kyle's quietly having as good of a run as anybody lately. Copeland-Black in the Cage should be a helluva deal. Toni/Mariah v Harley/Saraya was an excellent TV bout. I love all 4. Saraya is such a fun heel. The post match Deeb attack makes everything right in this good/evil world. Thank you! Danielson v Satnam was as expected and did not disappoint. I was captivated. And the post match angle was on point. I love heel camaraderie and a literal heel pay off. A flamethrower is a bit much, a bit dumb, but a good visual for video packages (as @zakk_sabbath mentioned). Speaking of which, they continue to provide good video packages weekly - Willow/Mercedes set being the standout. Properly stoked for that bout and the entire PPV. Great go-home show. AEDub running wild!

[Matt D]

Just drafted my review of Satnam vs Danielson for Monday because there's a Collision match and a PPV and a long weekend so I have to get ahead of things.

Here's the first paragraph draft. I'm up to my usual bs:

Spoiler

If there is an art to this thing called pro wrestling that we all love, it is this: creating the biggest emotional impact by doing as little as possible. That does not necessarily mean that one should never do anything. It means instead that every bit of effort should maximize the amount of possible impact. Whatever a wrestler does should carry with it the greatest possible impact in the moment, done in a way and at a time to create the greatest possible impact as part of a greater whole. And in order to achieve that, one should likely do as little as possible at each point, so as to increase the value of increased effort when it is most impactful. Pro wrestling is manipulation. Pro wrestling is conditioning an audience. It's using every tool imaginable to move hearts and minds relative to the needs of the moment and the match and the card. If you do more, it should matter more. It should be the means and not the end. Getting this wrong devalues every individual action for everyone and unbalances the possibilities of pro wrestling. Getting this right over time can create possibilities so that when escalation occurs, it blows minds and sends an audience into a meaningful, mindful, focused, driven fervor, where they are not chanting for sensation and to hear their own voice but instead towards a purpose and narrative destination.

 

[Log]

37 minutes ago, Matt D said:

Just drafted my review of Satnam vs Danielson for Monday because there's a Collision match and a PPV and a long weekend so I have to get ahead of things.

Here's the first paragraph draft. I'm up to my usual bs:

  Hide contents

If there is an art to this thing called pro wrestling that we all love, it is this: creating the biggest emotional impact by doing as little as possible. That does not necessarily mean that one should never do anything. It means instead that every bit of effort should maximize the amount of possible impact. Whatever a wrestler does should carry with it the greatest possible impact in the moment, done in a way and at a time to create the greatest possible impact as part of a greater whole. And in order to achieve that, one should likely do as little as possible at each point, so as to increase the value of increased effort when it is most impactful. Pro wrestling is manipulation. Pro wrestling is conditioning an audience. It's using every tool imaginable to move hearts and minds relative to the needs of the moment and the match and the card. If you do more, it should matter more. It should be the means and not the end. Getting this wrong devalues every individual action for everyone and unbalances the possibilities of pro wrestling. Getting this right over time can create possibilities so that when escalation occurs, it blows minds and sends an audience into a meaningful, mindful, focused, driven fervor, where they are not chanting for sensation and to hear their own voice but instead towards a purpose and narrative destination.

 

That should be a header at the top of this message board that greets all visitors.

[Technico Support]

If AEW is dead set on only using their TV to get from PPV to PPV with "higher guy vs lower guy" matches, then the best way to make it at least somewhat interesting is tag matches.  Roddy & Trent vs Ospreay & OC was great because I knew OC or Trent would eat the pin at the hands of Strong or Ospreay, respectively, but at least I didn't go into the match knowing what team would win. 

[Curt McGirt]

4 hours ago, Technico Support said:

I’m an asshole but I’m not a fucking asshole!

"Kate, do you know what a Blood and Guts match is?"

I hope Bryan gets to read some of these sometime, Matt. Someone needs to send him a link. If he uses the Internet. Otherwise... a printout?

[Log]

3 hours ago, Technico Support said:

If AEW is dead set on only using their TV to get from PPV to PPV with "higher guy vs lower guy" matches, then the best way to make it at least somewhat interesting is tag matches.  Roddy & Trent vs Ospreay & OC was great because I knew OC or Trent would eat the pin at the hands of Strong or Ospreay, respectively, but at least I didn't go into the match knowing what team would win. 

I was thinking this week how I'd also like to see more six- and eight-person tags. Especially with the women. Mix a few ongoing stories in there, and those kinds of matches can be a lot of fun.

[HarryArchieGus]

17 hours ago, Matt D said:

This is basically all I want from AEW:

 

There were some bellyaching about the DQ finish. I loved it. And love the narrative leading to this. Big weekend!

[Curt McGirt]

Doing a FF watch of Dynamite. So this is pretty much what I bothered to watch within, let see... half an hour? 

- I stopped to watch Ospreay bleed and you gotta give him that, he will bleed for you.

- Swerve vs. Nick Wayne had me from the stall. Kid is really leaning into the character and it works. Swerve's kick finally looked good! 

- Takeshita squash... could have been better? Moxley hit him with the mic which I immediately saw coming. I wonder if the comments from Tak about being disappointed wrestling here are true or a work. I mean when you can squash somebody better than it's on you. Did like the sparkly elbowpad though.  

- I would really like to see the full version of Malakai vs. KOR. Taz was right, it was different (though I'm not sure Pancrase, it was a nice reference) and the kind of match KOR could sink his teeth into. He also looked healthy, or healthier. Good finish. The return of the BLOODBATH was nice and they went whole hog for sure. It came hard and fast and Jesus, looked like thick gore instead of a thin "blood-like substance". You can tell he was happy to slip out of the middle there because that shit was coming down like a giant Super Soaker. 

- The main was a blast. Total Memphis bullshittery, wrapped around a legit monster vs. Rey match if Rey was a kicker. You can believe the kicks and knees would take down the giant because damned if he'd probably been hit that hard in a ring before. The punch through the guitar, the Bucks coming in, the flamethrower, Buck #1 being thrown through the table and slicing/smashing his kidney, all a fun bunch of ga-ga. Jarrett even threw in a Flair beg-off for kicks. So this is Darby and Dragon vs. Bucks and Jarrett's crew for exactly what reason? I keep missing things and if you come in cold to this stuff... I mean just read it, that is some WAR shit if you're not aware. 

[Curt McGirt]

Oh, and we called BARBED WIRE CAGE some time ago. Tony's still reading!

[Nice Guy Eddie]

1 minute ago, Curt McGirt said:

Doing a FF watch of Dynamite. So this is pretty much what I bothered to watch within, let see... half an hour? 

- I stopped to watch Ospreay bleed and you gotta give him that, he will bleed for you.

- Swerve vs. Nick Wayne had me from the stall. Kid is really leaning into the character and it works. Swerve's kick finally looked good! 

- Takeshita squash... could have been better? Moxley hit him with the mic which I immediately saw coming. I wonder if the comments from Tak about being disappointed wrestling here are true or a work. I mean when you can squash somebody better than it's on you. Did like the sparkly elbowpad though.  

- I would really like to see the full version of Malakai vs. KOR. Taz was right, it was different (though I'm not sure Pancrase, it was a nice reference) and the kind of match KOR could sink his teeth into. He also looked healthy, or healthier. Good finish. The return of the BLOODBATH was nice and they went whole hog for sure. It came hard and fast and Jesus, looked like thick gore instead of a thin "blood-like substance". You can tell he was happy to slip out of the middle there because that shit was coming down like a giant Super Soaker. 

- The main was a blast. Total Memphis bullshittery, wrapped around a legit monster vs. Rey match if Rey was a kicker. You can believe the kicks and knees would take down the giant because damned if he'd probably been hit that hard in a ring before. The punch through the guitar, the Bucks coming in, the flamethrower, Buck #1 being thrown through the table and slicing/smashing his kidney, all a fun bunch of ga-ga. Jarrett even threw in a Flair beg-off for kicks. So this is Darby and Dragon vs. Bucks and Jarrett's crew for exactly what reason? I keep missing things and if you come in cold to this stuff... I mean just read it, that is some WAR shit if you're not aware. 

Jarrett and co. are being paid off by the EVP's to take Dragon and Darby out of the ppv match. The Bucks handed Sonjay Dutt an envelope when they came to the ring on Dynamite before Darby came out with the flamethrower. 

[Curt McGirt]

Ah, gracias. 

Wonder if the Memphis parallel to Dragon/Singh would be, say... Humongous vs. Bill Dundee. There would be a whole lot more punching. 

AEW does after-the-fact postings on Youtube of full matches, right? Because Malakai/KOR sounds like the kind of thing that would go up. 

[Jenalysis]

4 hours ago, Log said:

I was thinking this week how I'd also like to see more six- and eight-person tags. Especially with the women. Mix a few ongoing stories in there, and those kinds of matches can be a lot of fun.

 

This is why NJPW undercards are full of these tags.  That and it gives the top stars less ringtime/bumps.

 

[Technico Support]

3 hours ago, HarryArchieGus said:

There were some bellyaching about the DQ finish. I loved it. And love the narrative leading to this. Big weekend!

Faced with the opportunity to wrestle Jarrett, Dax will be fully turgid from entrance to exit.  Might poke Lethal's eye out.

Edited May 24, 2024 by Technico Support