Browsing: AEWs

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As a pro wrestling fan before a wrestling promoter, Tony Khan knows the significance of the arenas he books shows in, and often themes the show around the history of the building. Not too long ago, AEW held shows out of the fabled ECW Arena, where he gave tribute to ECW legend Taz as well as one other notable name. In an episode of his “My World with Jeff Jarrett” podcast, Jeff Jarrett explained how the tributes came to be as well as why they were significant.

“Tony did the, I would call it, the induction of Taz into the…Hardcore Hall of Fame, and so, you know, it’s my understanding that Tony was looking for ‘how do we pay tribute to the history of that arena?'” Jarrett said, adding that Blue Meanie and Jeff Jones explained to him how important the arena was to ECW. “[Tony] came up to me at the wedding and we had a quick conversation, and so I kinda got the heads up and started connecting the dots, and it all came together.”

Jarrett then praised Khan for his knowledge about wrestling and for his efforts to get names like Doug Gilbert, the younger brother of Eddie Gilbert, who booked ECW before Paul Heyman, and for giving a tribute to Eddie as well.Â

“There were so many different stories, and I got a chance to share just one of them in the tribute,” Jarrett noted, explaining how he and Eddie had a lot of history. “He was really good to me, I mean, when he came in and worked the Tennessee territory a couple times. I mean, we go so far back.”

Jeff Jarrett also recalled Sting’s touching tribute to Eddie Gilbert

AEW

Another notable name who made an appearance at the 2300 Arena was none other than “The Icon,” Sting, who also shared history with Eddie Gilbert. Looking back at Sting’s contribution to the tribute, Jeff Jarrett also praised his friend for sharing a story about Gilbert. “I knew, just as a real casual, Jim Hellwig – Ultimate Warrior – Steve Borden – Sting – came to Tennessee and they were the Blade Runners,” he noted, recalling how both men were hired by Bill Watts back in the day. “Immediately, those two guys got paired up with Eddie Gilbert. Behind the scenes, Eddie was booking, loved the business, and he tried to teach them.”

Jarrett noted that Sting’s tribute ended up bringing so much heart to the night and also praised Tony Khan for his vision for the event. “Sting said that it was the two years that he spent with Eddie Gilbert, and the next thing he knows he’s working main events,” Jarret added, recalling how Sting claimed this led to his legendary feud with Ric Flair. “And Sting, honestly and candidly said: ‘When I look on my career and look back on it, and Tony’s mindset to pay tribute’ and Sting admitted, which I thought was just incredibly vulnerable but so real, he’s like: ‘It gave me a real hard look to really think without Eddie’s tutelage and care and passion for the industry, and willing to help me, I don’t know if Sting has the career that he had…'”

‘Without Eddie Gilbert’s vision, is there an ECW?’

Eddie Gilbert’s time as the booker of ECW occurred when the promotion was still known as “Eastern Championship Wrestling,” before breaking away from the NWA and eventually being headed up by Paul Heyman. But, because of this, Jeff Jarrett believes that the legacy of ECW can’t be spoken of without Gilbert. “Eastern Championship Wrestling, the precursor to ECW, Eddie was the driver, Eddie was the visionary, Eddie was the booker,” Jarrett noted. “And so, when you think about Eddie’s position…without Eddie Gilbert’s vision, is there an ECW?”

Jarrett then pivoted back to Tony Khan, pointing out how anybody can be a fan of professional wrestling without knowing stats, but expressed how blown away he is that the AEW President understood the respect and position Gilbert had in the industry. “My hat’s off to Tony, because I’ll say: knowing the straw that stirred the drink, I just got so much respect for that. And Tony? That’s what his tribute was about, let’s pay proper respect to the guy that gave you the straw that really stirred the drink in Philadelphia,” he said. “There would not be an AEW Dynamite, Collision, for three consecutive weeks – a Ring of Honor pay-per-view – in that building had it not been for Eddie Gilbert’s vision.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “My World with Jeff Jarrett” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

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Kris Statlander (AEW Womenâ€s World Champion) vs. Mina Shirakawa – Dynamite 9/24

What a great main event to end Dynamite this week. I thought this was a strong match to start Statlander’s title reign, and in my opinion yet another reason Mina Shirakawa should be featured as much as possible. Her charisma is off the charts.

My favorite part of this match was Shirakawa working Statlander’s knee throughout the match, and commentary bringing up the fact that Statlander has had multiple surgeries on her knees. It was a good way for the champ to battle back and eventually get the pin. Shirakawa is so much fun to watch in the ring, and I thought she had a brutal spinning backfist to Statlander in this match.

This match was a great showing for both.

It’s amazing how someone can go from an after thought ( sorry Statlander fans) to interesting in the span of less than a week. I thought she really came off as a big deal throughout this episode of Dynamite. I also really got a kick out of Statlander giving Moxley the double birds and then running the hell out of the ring after the match.

This match was a great follow-up to the story they are trying to tell with Statlander. I was just as shocked as everyone else when Statlander won the title at All Out, and AEW showcasing her in this episode of Dynamite was a really smart way to kind of settle that shock fans had and get them invested in how Statlander is going to navigate the Death Riders, now that she has literally flipped them the bird.

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Kyle Fletcher (AEW TNT Champion) vs. Komander – Collision 9/27

This match started off a little slow but then really picked up, and I thought these two guys absolutely killed it. Iâ€m really digging this new vicious streak from Fletcher. The second powerbomb he gave to Komander on the ring apron was some nasty work, and towards the end of the match he threw Komander into the turnbuckle like a dart which I thought was another great spot.

Komander really had a great showing here as well. I still roll my eyes at the rope walking where its clear his opponent can just knock him off the ropes instead of just standing there looking at him, but this match was so good it didnâ€t bother me as much. I thought Komander’s mid-flight adjustment into the destroyer on Fletcher was impressive, and he took some really nasty bumps throughout this match. The leaping Michinoku Driver he took from Fletcher looked so painful.

This match was just another notch in Fletcher’s belt on the absolute heater he has been on this last month. It’s fun as a wrestling fan to watch someone start to have it all come together like its coming together for Fletcher right now.

There was a spot in the match where he chopped Komander and then did a pose like he just hit a baseball and was watching the home run he just hit. I thought it was really fitting because all he has been doing this last month is hitting home runs in the ring and on the mic.

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Gates of Agony (GOA) vs. Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) AEW World Tag Team Champions – Dynamite 9/24

What a pleasant surprise this pairing of Brody King & Bandido have been these last few months. I thought this was a fun match, and I think the chemistry between Bryan Danielson and Ricochet on commentary just made this match that more enjoyable. Bandidoâ€s gorilla press slam of Bishop Khan onto Toa Liona in the corner of the ring was so impressive, and just really highlighted the strength of Bandido.

One of the things that really struck me at the beginning of the match was the size difference between GOA and Bandido. They looked like giants standing next to him which made that gorilla press slam even more impressive. I also hated myself for laughing at the Macarena spot, but hey funny is funny.

I also really liked the spot GOA does with the backstabber into headbutt from the top rope. Brody King diving through the ropes is also always so insane to me for a big man. Just a great match to start off what I thought was a very enjoyable episode of Dynamite this week.

Emptying out the notebook

– I thought Kyle Fletcher did a fantastic job with his follow up promo after the loss to Hangman. “Looked in the mirror and remembered who the hell I am†was a great line.

– FTR line about CTE was a really big miss in their promo on Dynamite.

– Beth Phoenix obviously approved the lines (I hope), but I really did not like FTR taking multiple shots at Beth Phoenixâ€s physical appearance.

– After Moxley or Darby inevitably get lit on fire at WrestleDream (sigh), it is time to retire the fire spot for a while.

– Harley Cameronâ€s charm is wearing thin. She is becoming too self-aware. I do not want that to happen, because she is great.

– It was a small little touch, but I loved when Kris Stalander grabbed Harley Cameron and put Cameron behind her when Jon Moxleyâ€s music hit. Protecting her from the Boogeyman.

– The World Heavyweight Champion should never come out first for a match and certainly should never have to sit and wait in the ring while a promo package plays for his opponent.

– Hechicero reminds me of the Bane character from the Batman and Robin movie from the ’90s. I cannot unsee it, and now neither will you.

– The Jack Perry video package on this weekâ€s Dynamite was well done by AEW . I am rooting for Perry. What a crazy two years for that kid. The butterfly effect of “ cry me a river†in wrestling may never be topped again.

About the Author

My name is Taylor Halley, and I am from Boston, Mass. I am the proud father of two young boys aged 4.5 and 1 years old. I have been a wrestling fan for as long as I can remember, honestly. Saturday morning WWF superstars was just as important to me as Saturday morning cartoons. In the sixth grade, my class had to do a biography on a famous character from history. Most kids choose ex-presidents or famous Boston athletes at the time. I picked Shawn Michaels, my favorite wrestler of all time. My first wrestling show was at the Boston Garden, and it was a house show where Shawn Michaels was the main event. I can still remember the feeling of walking into the arena and seeing the ring live for the first time. I still have the ticket stub too. So yes, if you have not guessed yet, I am a proud Attitude Era kid. Other than wrestling, I enjoy spending time with my family and my friends, cheering on my Boston sports teams and Notre Dame college football (Go Irish!). I am also obsessed with fantasy football. If you ever need lineup advice, I am your guy. I am excited for this opportunity to write for PWTorch, and Iâ€m happy to be on the team.

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AEW

During Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution 2024, his sons, Garrett and Steven, both made their way down to the ring, donning his “Surfer Sting” Great American Bash 1990 attire and his red Wolfpac “Crow” Sting attire respectively. As previously reported, Sting’s younger son, Steven, is training to follow in his father’s footsteps and his first match has been announced.

According to a press release for the upcoming 52W Hardway show in New York City has revealed that Borden will be performing a live match alongside Darby Allin and former WWE talent Killer Kross. Additionally, the show will include others like AR Fox, Sid Ellington, Kiran Grey, Timothy Thatcher, and surprise musical performances. The aforementioned show is further described as an art exhibition, which will feature drawings by Raymond Pettibon and his lifelong love for pro wrestling, and that all the bouts for the show have been organized by Allin to spotlight all the wrestlers involved.

During a podcast appearance late last year, Allin commented on Borden’s progress in training and noted that neither party intended to rush him. Based on this, it seems that they intend to have second-generation wrestler try his hand in front of a smaller audience before likely debuting elsewhere. So far, it’s unclear whether he’ll don face paint like his father, or instead create his own character. In the past, Borden chose football over pro wrestling, despite having good things to say about Sting’s legacy in pro wrestling, but his participation in his father’s final match has seemingly swayed him to try to follow in his father’s footsteps.

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AEW

AEW President Tony Khan has faced criticism for many things since founding AEW, but it is almost unanimous — except for a person or two — that he is a great boss, as Toni Storm recently reiterated.Â

Storm, who has flourished under Khan in AEW, recently spoke with former ECW star Sandman on his podcast, highlighting Khan’s importance to her and to the pro wrestling business, and stating that he is a great person.

“Well, I’m not really sure on how he’s actually perceived. I assume everyone adores him. He’s like the nicest fu**ing guy ever, with like the best of intentions, and he just loves wrestling so much. And, yeah, I just love the guy,” said Storm. “He’s the best, and he works so hard. He’s obsessed with this sh*t. He’s like so into it.”

The former AEW Women’s World Champion believes that the futures of a lot of pro wrestling talent hinge on Khan, further expressing how much he loves pro wrestling.

“It’s literally just, if we didn’t have him [what would we do?]. If he just wakes up tomorrow and is like, ‘I don’t like wrestling anymore.’ It’s like, all right, the end. No one loves it like he does.”

Storm said that Khan is a great guy and the coolest, adding that she loves working under him. She joked, however, that Khan — the heir to a billion-dollar empire — is in it for the money when a panelist on the podcast claimed he wasn’t. Storm recently praised Khan for the way he leads the AEW team behind the scenes, revealing that all ideas must receive his approval, even though she has tried to sneak a few in. Storm has been one of AEW’s most important female stars over the past few years, and her over-the-top character has been widely loved in the promotion.

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One of AEW’s fastest rising stars is expected to miss the remainder of 2025 due to an injury. During the September 27, edition of AEW Collision, Hologram was attacked by TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher following a cryptic video message from Hologramâ€s storyline rival, Clon.

On X, Tony Khan shared that Hologram will likely miss the remainder of the year. While Khan didn’t go into specifics, he shared that Hologram has “significant injuries.” Hologram had been set to challenge Fletcher on Dynamite, but that match will have to be changed.

Get well soon, @AEWHologram!

After an unprovoked attack backstage at #AEWCollision tonight by TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher,
Hologram has significant injuries.

Weâ€re all cheering for Hologram + wishing him the best in his recovery. Sadly, Hologram likely is out the rest of 2025.

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) September 28, 2025

Since debuting in July 2024, AEW has built Hologram, who remains undefeated in singles and tag team matches. This is his latest significant injury for Hologram in AEW, as he previously suffered an ankle injury at WrestleDream in October 2023.

This injury also raises questions as to what’s next for Clon, who will now either need to find a new storyline, or wait until Hologram is recovered. Hologram is the latest high-profile name to be on the injury list, joining the likes of Dustin Rhodes, Buddy Matthews, Nick Wayne, and Wardlow.

Whatever comes next, it won’t be until Hologram is fully healed. We here at SEScoops would like to send Hologram all the best on his recovery.

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AEW star Swerve Strickland shared his thoughts on the recent performance of this WWE superstar.

Strickland is currently out with a torn meniscus injury that goes way back during his WWE run in 2019. He had a successful surgery but the timetable for his in-ring return still remains uncertain.

The former AEW World Champion’s last match was at Forbidden Door on August 24 at The O2 Arena in London, England. He challenged Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified Championship but came up short after falling victim to the Rainmaker. Okada then attacked Strickland’s right knee repeatedly as this was a way to write the latter off television.

While currently recuperating, Strickland took to X to react on a recent matchup on WWE SmackDown. For context, Je’Von Evans stepped up to the Sami Zayn’s United States Championship Open Challenge.

The game and gutsy 21-year old impressed the WWE Universe in Orlando with his top-tier athleticism and insane high-flying skills, which pushed The Underdog from the Underground to his limit. In the end, though, Zayn delivered a Blue Thunder Bomb on Evans to remain US Champion.

Strickland couldn’t help but be proud of the performance showed by NXT’s Young OG.

Check out his tweet below:

Proud @WWEJeVonEvans

— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) September 27, 2025

A user then took note of the former AEW World Champion watching SmackDown. The latter admitted by saying he’s watching his friends, like Evans.

AEW star Swerve Strickland Teases Retirement and Stepping Out of the Wrestling Ring Completely

During a recent interview, Swerve Strickland admitted that he never received five-star ratings from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter,until he went to AEW.

The former world champion was also elated when he learned that he’s the only African-American wrestler to achieve such feat. A user on X shared their thoughts on Strickland’s interview by calling him the “corniest wrestlers ever.”

Swerve Strickland appreciation post

Been one of the very best wrestlers on the planet over the past two years. A real shame if you choose not to see it and enjoy it pic.twitter.com/quHGQfTRnc

— Wrestling_Mark (@WrestlingMark16) September 1, 2025

Swerve responded sarcastically by letting the user know they don’t have to worry and he will hang up his boots eventually.

While the remarks are just for banter purposes, the AEW star previously revealed that he’s might consider retiring and that’s a discussion that needs to be addressed five years from now.

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SHOW SUMMARY:In this week’s episode of All Elite Conversation Club, PWTorch contributors Joel Dehnel and Gregg Kanner cover these topics:

(00:00) Introduction
(02:43) Gregg’s passionate defense of AEW against violence criticism from wrestling media coverage
(14:57) Joel’s analysis of AEW’s core identity split between pay-per-view excellence and weekly TV inconsistency
(19:51) Darby Allin flamethrower segment
(27:00) Dynamite Pittsburgh follow-up coverage and post-All Out directions
(33:02) Women’s Tag Team Championships announcement as Tony Khan’s major reveal
(39:21) Orange Cassidy’s return setup with Kyle Fletcher TNT title implications
(46:38) MJF’s emotional promo
(52:23) Adam Copeland taking time-off following Beth attack
(54:42) Jurassic Express reunion analysis
(56:06) The Acclaimed reunion skepticism
(59:02) Kris Statlander heel turn is a missed opportunity
(1:06:00) All Out buy rate success
(1:08:16) Wrestle Dream venue
(1:09:36) Collision and Dynamite six-year anniversary show announcements
(1:12:14) Zach’s email and odd man out trivia part 2

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After climbing Mount Everest earlier this year, AEW star Darby Allin continues to broaden his horizons in new ways. The wrestler is set to take part in an exhibition alongside Raymond Pettibon, the award-winning artist who designed the Black Flag logo among many other projects, and AEW Special Projects Manager Charlie Ramone.

The exhibition, which is titled HARDWAY, will run from September 26 through October 11 at the 52 Walker art gallery in New York City. Featuring works of art from Pettibon inspired by his love of pro wrestling, Allin’s participation will consist of him wrestling live at the venue on October 3 and 10. There will be additional matches as well as live music on both of those nights, curated by Allin, and the exhibition will include drawings and wrestling props created by Ramone.

It hasn’t been announced who Allin will wrestle at either of the exhibition dates, or what other wrestlers might take part. However, it was indicated that they’ll be “up-and-coming figures” from the industry.

According to the press release, HARDWAY will explore the intersection of performative and genuine violence, and it will “scrutinize and satirize American myths of masculinity, power, and spectacle.” Pettibon’s work is described as bringing wrestling’s homoerotic subtext to the surface, while Ramone’s drawings are in tribute to the industry’s connection with the punk rock and metal subcultures.

It was also noted that Allin is currently working to construct a skate park in McDonough, Georgia, where he grew up. In the short-term, though, Allin first has to wrestle on next week’s “AEW Dynamite,” where he’ll team with Kris Statlander against Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir of the Death Riders. Then, Allin will face Jon Moxley in an I Quit match at AEW WrestleDream on October 18.

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Darby Allin (on Collision 9/17)

I thought this was a very strong week for promos on Dynamite and Collision. Darbyâ€s promo from Collision talking about his climb to the top of Mt. Everest makes this week’s list. I thought he really did an amazing job tying in the climb on Mt. Everest, and how he kept his word that he was going to do it, to keeping his word about protecting AEW from Moxley.

His line about “not being able to politic to the top of the world†was a really strong line, and I liked him talking about how important it is for him to keep his word, and using that to set it up later in the interview when he made Bryan Danielson promise to give Darby his word that he would not get involved in his match with Moxley at All Out.

I also liked the whisper in the ear from Danielson to Darby at the end, too. It set up a little suspense gong into the match with Moxley at All Out. Just a passionate promo from Darby and a promo that helped sell the match with Moxley at All Out even more.

“Hangman” Page and Kyle Fletcher contract signing (on Dynamite 9/17)

In a few years we are going to look back and say the feud with Hangman was really Kyle Fletcherâ€s coming out party as a top star in AEW, and not just a guy who has potential but still needs to put it together. Fletcher has really stepped up his game in this feud with Hangman, and this contact signing is a huge example.

We still need to fix the collar on that dress shirt (collar stays, Kyle), but wow was this good.

I really enjoyed Hangman mentioning how other wrestlers are tired of getting involved in every AEW World Title match because so am I. Hangman explaining to Fletcher how he needs to earn the title, and Fletcher explaining how heâ€d do anything for a title shot really emphasizes the importance of the word title, and that is the point of all this.

Every wrestlerâ€s goal should be to be world champion. Hangman explaining the weight of carrying the title, and how he knows the feeling Kyle will have the morning after All Out after he loses was rally compelling: Waking up that morning after losing a title shot, and looking yourself in the mirror is a pivotal moment of who you are and where you are going to go next. I really liked Hangman bringing that up, and making fletcher ask himself “ who will you be.â€

I thought AEW did a great job of book-ending the show with the contract signing, and the end of the show with Fletcher keeping his promise of making sure Hangman would be broken by the end of the night. More of that please, and it was also nice that no one went through the table at the contract signing. Itâ€s too cliché now, and Iâ€m happy they stayed away from that.

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Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, and FTR (on Dynamite 9/17)

When AEW is in a smaller venue, and the setup involves a smaller stage, I really wish Adam Copeland would stop doing his run to both sides of the stage during his entrance. Its awkward and shows how small the venue is. I also feel like the singalong to his entrance music is becoming a little forced. When its in front of an audience when only half the audience knows the words, it becomes borderline cringy.

Alright, enough of the complaints, Taylor. This is supposed to be top promos not your top complaints. Christian standing in the ring with his arms folded, and not looking at FTR was so funny, and he was my favorite part of this promo segment. When he also corrected Copeland that its “Cage and Copeland,†I laughed out loud on my couch. He absolutely popped Dax with that microphone too, and I thought it was a great end to the segment.

The real reason I have this promo in the top three this week is because I thought Copeland did a really great job going over the backstory of the rivalry with FTR, and he didnâ€t fall into that trap he falls into too many times when he gets more concerned with trying to get over some corn line he thought of rather than trying to sell the match. I thought he had great intensity, and this was one of the best promos heâ€s had since joining AEW. He really sold the hatred he has for FTR right now.

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Welcome everyone!

After a week away AEWâ€s Rising and Fading Stars returns with a post-All Out Toronto edition.

Oh boy do I have a lot to say about something specific. AEWâ€s All Out fallout episode of Dynamite is almost here. So letâ€s fire up the list and go!

Rising Star of the Week

Kris Statlander

• AEW Original
• Won 3 out of last 4 Four-Way matches
• On Dynamite and/or Collision every week.

Kris Statlander is a staple of AEW television and has been for years. With what this column is, Stat has to be at the top of the list. The new AEW Womenâ€s Champion pinned Toni Storm clean in the middle of the ring to become champion.

This came out of nowhere, but sometimes thatâ€s the best part of pro wrestling. It came out of nowhere because of the fact there were four total women in this match. Prior booking has told us that even if Toni Storm was losing the title, she wouldnâ€t be in the finish. Stat pinning Storm really makes this a big deal.

So going forward they need to clarify if Stat is a member of the Death Riders or not. Stat using Wheeler Yutaâ€s move means that story is not finished. Honestly, this part makes her becoming champ really interesting. Having Stat slowly turn works for me because by her third or fourth defense, she should have the entire Death Riders helping her retain the title.

Her first feud appears to be with the former champion Storm with how the match concluded. With Storm looking like sheâ€s close to becoming unhinged again. That against a becoming heel Stat with the Death Riders lingering behind her could make for a really good feud.

1st Runner Up: Kyle Fletcher

• Current TNT Champion
• 1st AEW PPV Main Event
• (Sort of) Dominated the AEW World Champion during their match

Say his full name! Kyle Fletcher has made himself into a main event player so quickly. Fletcher has been with the Don Callis Family for almost two years but really turned into this current Kyle Fletcher less than a year ago in October after AEW WrestleDream.

So to go from a tag team wrestler and a guy that looked like a young Will Ospreay clone to one of the most over heels in the company has been amazing. His turning on Ospreay and then losing the feud could have hurt Fletcher but it didnâ€t. After that Fletcher went on to feud with, and in storyline take out, Adam Cole before capturing the TNT Title.

Again, Fletcher won in losing at All Out. This will not be his last shot at the AEW World Title, but I will say it here he will win his next shot at that same title. Fletcherâ€s best years are still to come and Iâ€m really glad he is in AEW.

Fletcher now just needs to be a dominant TNT Champion who is defending his title weekly or biweekly. Make him the main event of Collision each week. It will help establish him and give you a solid to really good TV main event each week. Just an idea if you are reading this TK! (sarcasm)

Honorable Mention: The Jurassic Express

Okay, I am someone who was a little tired of this duo by the time they broke up, but putting them back together and having Jack Perry as a face truly closes the door on the C.M. Punk era. The fans are welcoming Perry so they are over it as am I. AEW is better just being its quirky violent (more on that) self than worrying about the other wrestling companies.

This also just adds to the tag team world and they are former AEW Tag Champs so they are instantly credible. Also, if that crowd on Saturday was any indication they are going to be over big with the crowd, again. (“Oh oh oh oh oh ohhhh oh oh!”)

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

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Fading Star of the Week

• AEWâ€s over-the-top violence

This really should be on the Rising Star list, considering the things that were allowed to happen on Saturday afternoon. How violent is too violent? All Out gave you that answer AEW as you had a better part of 12,000 fans chanting “This is murder!†during the Darby Allin and Jon Moxley match. Funny enough (sarcasm again) it got even worse from there.

AEW has always been violent, it has always been a part of its appeal during the very polished WWE days. Itâ€s obvious TK has a love of ECW. The issue is the last 16 months it has gotten out of control. AEWâ€s All Out history now has back-to-back years where a plastic bag was placed over someoneâ€s head. This is not something that needs to be on pro wrestling. It doesnâ€t add drama because the characters in these worlds whom we try to lose ourselves in do not get killed off. Unless you are Lucha Underground, which was a different type of pro wrestling world. You and I both know that.

Had the two plastic bag spots been the worst thing AEW had done in the last year, then maybe I would give them a pass.

So letâ€s talk about fire in the world of pro wrestling. We had MJF threaten to light Mark Briscoe on fire on TBS, when we all knew he would not do it, which made the entire thing just campy and hack. Then we just had Darby light Mox on fire at All Out. Mox isnâ€t even the first wrestler Darby set on fire. Darby has set Jack Perry on fire at Double or Nothing in May 2024 and then at AEW Blood & Guts two months later he threatened to set Perry on fire again. Itâ€s too much. Regardless if Darby is one of the only pro wrestling characters who could pull this off.

So over the last 16 months, AEW has crossed the line for a company thatâ€s on national television. Then, to debut on the brand new HBO Max PPV and you do what Darby did to Mox, I think, just shows a lack of understanding your bigger fan base. Also itâ€s the first live PPV EVER on HBO Max not just their first PPV on the platform.

Remember they werenâ€t chanting “This is awesome!” they were chanting “This is murder!” That should show TK how this did not land the way, I assume, Mox and Darby wanted it to land. It makes me worried for Mox and the Death Riders response to this.

Also, I should say that I am a huge horror movie fan. Itâ€s the genre my wife and I watch the most of. I say that to show that Iâ€m not opposed to violence in my TV shows or movies. I just donâ€t want something like that in my pro wrestling.

I am also writing this as a huge fan of Darby Allin and Jon Moxley. Both are such unique humans who have overcome a lot in their lives. I am just over the CZW style of violence.

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