HarryArchieGus

Just saw this Nick Khan quote on on Vince's return to the company and wanted to share:

Wait, Stephanie McMahon? She who went on television after the first round of NDA discoveries and led the shitty careless WWE crowd in a thank you to Vince? Here ya go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-5HEm9DMXU

Fun show. Pretty spot on review above - Morarity v Mox in particular. By hook or by crook, I have a sneaking suspicion Moriarty/Taylor find a way to victory. And if so, very much back the play of an STP tag team push. Everybody knows Moriarty is on his way, but Taylor too is so underrated. Takeshita v Daniels was a nice squash. A post match Don Callis promo tends to be a highlight. The Family feels like such a throwback Mid-South style stable. Not a bunch of pals, but a bunch of asskicking assholes bonded by money and mgmt. Privates/Flights promo was alright. These guys are coming along. Andretti's really trying to get this corny water bottle gimmick over. I skimmed Ruby v Anna, but well laid out. Harley Cameron is so charismatic. I expect her to be a big managerial player some day. Love for Saraya too. Kingston promo was good. Willie Mack is such an excellent competitive enhancement talent. Really digging this Collision line-up. And #FUCKtheROYALRUMBLE. McDamnDirtyman nails the Main Event too: the fucking Kip Effect! Add to that the one fall (WWE) Fatal 4 Way Effect. The Butcher is so likeable, but his shit is not quite tight. If they were ever able to get this Motherfucker an extended stay in Japan, I bet they and he'd reap the benefits. I'd actually read spoilers that Sabian won this match (which added to the dreaded Kip effect). So very grateful for the Kommander win.

So happy to see AEW back to booking Line-ups. Going further, when the matches aren't officially set, but they know a certain wrestler is appearing, they should promote said appearance too. Not unlike how the late 80s/early 90s syndicated WWF shows would end with the line-up of which performers were set for the next show. The specifics of who their match or 'in action' or 'speaks' is great, but even better to know who's on the show.

I was with you or am, but this 'escape the cage' rules situation will need to be seen before I assume any glory.

Marq Quen's recent return also comes to mind. It's also frustrating that the company's inexpereinced talent, like Hook for example, are not working ROH regularly. Hook even had a reason with the Yuta feud to be on that show regularly.

Fun show. It feels to me like AEW is learning from some of their promotional mistakes. I love line-ups. I love knowing what to look forward to. Especially as a ticket buyer. The Hook/Joe confrontation was fair in execution, but Grrreat as a sign that their learning to follow shit up. But, uh, can we add Security guard beatdowns to the overused, sleepy AEW tropes list. Penta v Hanger was solid business. I love seeing the Cowboy on the show on the reg. I thought the OC promo was suggesting another Battle Royal. I'll take a shitty Fatal 4 way over an even shittier Battle Royal. Bucks promo was on point. I didn't think I had another MGMT heel in me, but here is Matthew and Nicholas to change my mind! Wardlow v Barretta was fine, not great, but Wardlow wrestling matches as opposed to squashes is a great sign. About fucking time. Purrazzo-Storm promo was excellent. I do hope Toni starts being positioned as the babyface. Deonna is a great heel, and Toni is loved by the crowd. Johnny TV/Taya promo was good too. And one of a couple extremely positive signs that they're ready to embrace promoting future matches/cards. Hardy v Swerve finished up fine. I'm not gonna pile on Jeff, I think he's an incredbile performer, incredible connection to the crowd, but he looks like he's in fucking pain. Especially considering his history, it feels like there's a risk for both AEW and Jeff right now that seems way too goddamn high. Rosa v Velvet screamed for Rosa to ROH and lots of reps. Velvet's leaning more into the 'tude and it's good. Full on heel would be even better. Sting/Darby promo was good. Darby was excellent. Savannah was not. I slept on the trios match. Two Six Man Tag Team Champions in one stable is very AEW. And a bright shiny example of the old adage 'There are far too many fucking title belts'. That White/Asses entrance and music is fun. Suzuki v Copeland was tremendous fun. I was not a fan of what I saw of WWEdge2022 (what a fucking drip!?), but AEWAdamCopeland has been nothing but fun. Fun promo post match. He's rolling with the punches on the mic, and it's so much better. So many positive signs throughout this show of a company working towards being the best they can possibly be.

Staging talk segments is something Team Mansury could really tighten up on. Literally in some cases - see many multi person backstage promos with wide coverage (in front of those busy sets) and especially this week's (otherwise well done) Toni/Deonna sit down. Further, they knew what the opening segment was going to be, so why not get cameras on either side to make certain you see the person's face, in tonight’s case Hook, while they're speaking their business. Not so much a complaint as a hope for awareness and gradual improvement.

Properly writing off characters is clearly a huge hole in aew creative. On a WOR from a month or so ago Meltzer mentioned legalities being an issue over announcing an injury. It wasn’t a clear statement on the matter, so I’m curious to know more. Regardless, as mentioned, there’s ways around announcing a shoot injury.

I agree with a number of the points expressed during that WOR discussion. Dave in particular had a lot logical ideas on offer. I still don’t get the lack of Sting’s last match in (insert city) promotion. Further, I get what you’re saying with the bad faith attention seekers, but I’m not sure there’s a company in my years of watching wrestling that has responded so routinely to constructive criticism. Confusing unattainable utopian visions with realistic expectations is an issue for some. That said, there are things about AEW that will never change. Not unlike most everyone’s daily/weekly/annual habits they swear off as each year comes to a close. The plethora of Title belts for example. Tony clearly loves them where many, many, many of us don’t. Surely the reasoning is, at least in part, for more options to feature and promote the upper level talent. Also, Tony’s inability to switch from a plan (loss of Punk, Devil angle) is probably here to stay, or at least for now, but one can realistically hope that changes with experience. Experience, being able to fail and learning on the job is not something afforded TK/AEW by its critics as often as it oughtta be.

Nice review. Fair comparison with Wild at Heart and Man Bites Dog, but kind of an apples and oranges situation concerning 'best'. Tho, no doubt far better than the heavily flawed and disappointing True Romance. Everything came together on NBK for the very uneven, inconsistent Stone. Great cast, story, performances and somehow still sort of audacious and original with it's visual presentation. In true Stone hit/miss fashion, he couldn't just leave it alone, and made his far weaker 'Directors Cut' the more easily accessible version for decades. The director's cut sounds like the better or more interesting version on paper (with Jones' head/spear etc). but the extra cuts are a total nuisance at multiple points. Most clearly, the flow of the prison break scene going from near perfection to a goddamn yawn. Pleased to see this new UltraHD4K2023 release includes the much stronger theatrical cut. Also, overjoyed to have 'Burn' back in the mix. I wonder what other examples there are of a movie losing such a key song? It's such a short bit, but so jarring hearing replacement music over the climactic montage. Jones often gets the chatter, and deservedly so, but Juliette Lewis, Woody, Downey, and Sizemore are all pretty incredible. Dangerfield and Edie McClurg are also pretty perfect in their smaller roles. Rarely was Stone better (and often nowhere near as good). For me, this ranks up their with the masteful JFK.

The early Pitchfork was a last ditch celebration of gatekeeper pre-internet pretension. It could be a lot of fun if more than a little irresponsible, but definitely a opportune place to discover new sounds. They seemed to drain much of their credibility with the emergence of the quietly paid articles. Not long after they were sold to Conde Nast and pushing the same agenda and Indie Pop as their competitors. Further merging into the Conde Nast family doesn't seem all that significant.

Taylor/Moriarty v Infantry 2/3 falls was pretty terrific. The Infantry have really come a long way. Taylor and Moriarty are a well oiled machine. I'd love to see them add 'Daddy Magic' Matt Menard to the commentary. He really deserves to have his own weekly show.

Yeah, what was Eddie selling to be down so long? Danielson's heel work is just a joy to watch. Building to a big Eddie v Danielson singles PPV bout is one of many things I love about AEW for the week of 1/21. So happy to see Shane Taylor get a shot at Mox. Excellent Shingo-Mox video package prior to the bout. I love Taylor's presentation tweak, love it! Hoping to see Taylor/Moriarty pushed as a legit tag team threat. Moxley, the St. Louis crowd and Schiavone's call to open the show were thrilling. Cope Open went 3/3. Loved the Danielson/Claudio promo. Garcia v Buddy was tremendous until that farty finish. Roddy v Sydal was a perfectly fine enhancement match. Pretty great week of Television.

I suppose I didn't mean in the classic sports sense (see Win-Loss record). She feels like she's being positioned thru hard knocks. Getting time and offense in, building to the wins. It's the house style with new or younger talent (see Darby, Sammy, etc.)

Goddamn those AEW Graphics are chunky and motherfuckin clunky. I'm speaking foremostly of the upcoming event listings cutting off the lower 3/4 quarter of the screen. The upcoming match rundown as well - a silly and unnecessary distraction. #DownWITHswitchtasking.

Very into the Cope Open and Adam Copeland in general. Both bouts were good showcases for his opponents. The Griff match suggested he, Garrsion, may need an outside excursion. Moriarty, on the otherhand, is ready. And it clearly showed. It's nice knowing or assuming Copeland's a good enough sport that somebody is going to answer this challenge and defeat him. And make a name for themselves in the process.

You nailed Darby v Jeff. Queen is on a run. She's had presence since the beginning, but it's starting to feel like she could make a mark. I like what they're trying with Stat/Stoke/Willow. I was into this show. Sydal v Jericho was the American version of Senior League Lucha. In a good way. Penta v Henry was a 'Perfectly fine' enhancement match. Very enjoyable Saturday morning wrestling show.

But… Hipster has been a somewhat derisive catch all term since it’s reemergence in, what, early aughts? It’s Beat connotation (or is there an earlier reference?) to having interest/knowledge/awareness of interesting or cool things (so to speak) has been replaced by it’s synonym for a sub section of ‘trendy’ often used by even trendier ppl than what they’re referencing, ha. Falafel, books, records, are a quick hipster tag if there’s anybody with striking fashion around. And things clearly changed a lot from the 90s to the 00s, the book I assume you’re referencing is ‘meet me in the bathroom’ which discusses this, but more the city as a whole.

1 hour on a Saturday Night was never going to be easy. I'm okay with trying some things out and failing. Especially with this company's success rate. Combining the show with, first, Rampage and now Collision was and is a positive move. Unfortunately, the 'afterthought' part of the booking seems to persist.

Re: Battle of the Belts These last couple shows (at least) feel like they're getting thru a content contract they wished they hadn't signed. Further, I don't quite get why they feel the need to make BOTB a separate show. It confuses or makes clunky the promo materials. Why not sell it as 'Collision: Battle of the Belts - the three hour special'? And actually build to said 'special' the same way you would a PPV.

I completely agree on Vance's title challenge. Clearly, TK has a huge blindspot to the audience with his booking Championship Contenders based on a *yawn* Battle Royal victory (always featuring predominantly lower card talent) or a throw away tag match. Nobody watched that match on Wednesday and thought 'ya know Preston Vance is ready for a title shot'. Had Vance won that match on Wednesday and followed it up with a couple of credible (not 'Preston Vance IN Action') victories on Television then maybe it wouldn't be such a far fetching illusion that he could win. Further, had they run that Roddy confrontation a week in advance allowing time to put further heat on the idea of Strong wanting to get the title off OC and onto Preston, so that he could then beat him for it, maybe the match would've had a modicum of intrigue. As was, it didn't feel like even a Kingdom assisted win was even a consideration.

Totally with you on a few things there. Very much agree on the 'Street Fight' tag. I was worried Starks had fucked up his arm on that cart spot. All that said, clever work around the awkward Jericho heat (for now). I also thought the pre-match Jericho/Guevarra promo was pretty strong. Deonna is a great heel. I'm sure she was plenty happy to be there, but she works that rotten attitude beautifully. The arm submission from the Velvet high spot and finish were thrilling. Purrazzo could really use a presentation/costuming tweak, but her in-ring puts her right at the top. So good. I thought the build to a mid to low card match between Vance v Roddy was a huge positive and something often missing from the AEW booking formula. They did this nicely with a few bouts this week - the Archer/Gates issue for example. They also seem to be upping the ante on recap packages which is a somewhat quiet but huge improvement. And yes! Drake/Potato! I look at Drake and think, man, I'm really glad Ray Traylor (and the like) had no shame in wearing a top component to his gear. Presentation goes a lot further than the 'Suzie Green' costumed wrestling world seems to understand. A competent non-wrestling bubble stylist could go a long way in any promotion, AEW especially. Nice assessment of the Garcia character. Ha, I'm not sure what to make of those pants. I'm hoping Garcia gets back to the gear if he's running with the 'Wrestlers' now. Yeah, some fun, odd, pairings throughout this Collision episode. Absolutely!

Thoroughly loved this show. Hanger v Claudio and Sting/Darby v Hobbs/Takeshita were both masterfully crafted by a bunch of real pros. Darby fucking Allin!!! Dug the odd pairings in the WAR 8 Person Tags. 'Dark' days onwards I've hoped to see more and more Trios action (I'll gladly take Quads) in the ladies segments. Wonderful Brodie Lee Video package. The Samoa Joe interview segment set up some future week's of television nicely. I'll take a Hook v a Joe! This may have been my favorite Toni Storm promo yet. Thrilled to have a Purrazzo v Storm bout to look forward to. I'll take May v Purrazzo too. Starks v Sammy was an odd one, but I didn't not mildly enjoy it. I hope Jericho/Sammy at least pivot heel. And stop trying to make Sammy Guevara a babyface. He's a perfectly fine heel. If he needs to drop some exciting maneuvers, that's fine. His fundamentals and mat game are, perhaps, underrated. Bill/Starks have had two tag matches since winning the titles in late October. Two underwhelming defenses. Roddy v Bryan Keith was a nice little TV enhancement match. I hope Roddy's not done yelling names. Pretty solid Deonna/Red Velvet confrontation. Yeah, I'm very game for Sting/Darby v Coke Dealer Jacksons!

Stoked for Bucks v Sting/Darby. Good choice choosing two performers who get the best matches out of everyone they face. Especially considering the clear limitations. Bucks-hate amongst the ‘smarts’ continues to be a head scratcher, but then evaluating them based on their terrific character/charisma (especially as heels) and excellent in ring work would perhaps be too logical?