Browsing: missed

It was a winning road trip for the Vancouver Canucks even if it didnâ€t feel that way.

Most times on a five-game trip, if the visiting teamâ€s travel record is 3-1 heading into the last stop on the tour, that final game feels like a bonus. Win and itâ€s a superb trip. Lose and itâ€s still a successful one with six points out of 10. Go .600 on the road all season and youâ€d need to be putrid at home not to make the National Hockey League playoffs.

Normally, you take 3-2-0 in a heartbeat. Get home, rest up and use your own rink to your advantage.

The problem for the Canucks is that Thursdayâ€s travel finale, which they lost 2-1 to the struggling Nashville Predators, looked at least as winnable as the back-to-back home games Vancouver has this weekend against the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers.

For the Canucks, there are other problems, of course. There is a potential crisis at centre with no safety net even before Filip Chytil crashed with another apparent concussion Sunday in Washington. The Canucks arenâ€t scoring — two goals in their last seven periods — and their power play has suddenly disappeared.

The power play went 0-for-5 on Thursday, which included a 90-second five-on-three near the end of the first period, and actually finished minus-one because Ryan Oâ€Reilly opened scoring shorthanded for Nashville at 9:01 of the second period.

Big picture, Thursdayâ€s game felt like a missed opportunity for the Canucks not only to add an exclamation mark to their trip but, more essentially, simply stash two more available points in the standings. Two points that may be harder to come by this weekend.

The Canadiens will be in Vancouver before the Canucks get home and had won six of seven before losing 6-5 in Edmonton on Thursday. And the Oilers, though scuffling themselves and playing their own back-to-backs this weekend, still have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and fairly dominated Vancouver in a 3-1 win on Thanksgiving Weekend.

In Nashville, the Canucks managed more energy and a better game than they displayed in Tuesdayâ€s 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. But they were outshot 35-22 by a Predators team that had been winless in four, and the Canucks were outplayed at five-on-five.

Still, it was 1-1 heading into the third period, with both points there to be seized.

But the Canucks were slow to close down Justin Barron at the point, the Predatorâ€s shot was tipped by Cole Smith between goalie Thatcher Demkoâ€s pads and the puck rolled on edge just over the goal-line for Nashvilleâ€s winner at 5:09 of the third period.

Playing their fifth game in eight nights with two time-zone changes, the Canucks generated only seven shots in the third period. Brock Boeser, back from a two-game leave of absence for personal reasons, had one of the few good chances to tie it but couldnâ€t elevate his shot from the hashmarks over Juuse Saros†pad just before the buzzer.

By the time the Canucks see the Oilers on Sunday at Rogers Arena, it will be Vancouverâ€s seventh game in 11 nights.

Itâ€s important to remember the unease hovering around the Canucks when their five-game odyssey began after disconcerting losses to the Oilers and St. Louis Blues.

The team chased away those doubts with impressive wins in Dallas, Chicago and Washington to start the road trip.

But since Chytil was crushed in the final minute of the first period in Washington on Sunday, Vancouver has been outscored 10-3 and lost a pair of games against teams almost nobody is picking to make the playoffs.

The Canucks are 4-4 through eight games. Equal shares of good and bad.

Promoted from minor-league Abbotsford for the road trip, Max Sasson scored his third goal in five games. The skill he displayed in doing a spin-o-rama with the puck in the neutral zone to beat Barron along the boards, then skate away on a breakaway and fool Saros with a quick shot between his pads is why the 25-year-old is changing the narrative around him.

Yes, Sasson is an undrafted, late-bloomer who is undersized and speedy. He had only three goals in 29 games for the Canucks last season. But he is showing on this recall that he can make plays at the NHL level and may yet be able to transport his offensive game from the AHL. Is he the second-line replacement for Chytil? He shouldnâ€t be, not this season.

But Sasson has speed and skill the Canucks need, and he looks capable of breaking through the low ceiling attached to most second-tier prospects.

And by the way, it was a heckuva assist on his goal by another minor-league callup, Sassonâ€s AHL linemate Linus Karlsson, who used his heavy stick and game to emerge with the puck against two Predators behind the Canucks†net, then send a stretch-pass up ice.

Sure, Smithâ€s fortunate deflection broke a 1-1 tie in the third period. But, honestly, the game was decided by a Vancouver power play that allowed Oâ€Reilly to open scoring shorthanded on a two-on-one. It capped an atrocious minus-one night for the Canucks†man-advantage unit.

The power play was mostly peripheral, and the decisive puck movement and player interchanges we saw in the pre-season and the start of October have been missing the last two games. The Canucks were bullied on special teams in both.

WHATâ€S WRONG WITH QUINN HUGHES?

That headline-question gets asked as often in Vancouver as: “Why is this condo so cheap?â€

Hughes is the Canucks†superstar, their one game-changer, not including Demko. And even when he isnâ€t generating goals, Hughes always seems to have the puck and is generating chances.

But Vancouverâ€s captain seems to be pressing so much to help his team win that it is getting counter-productive.

Usually a play-driving force of nature, Hughes had no points and two shots in 29:26 of ice time in Nashville and, almost inconceivably, Vancouver was outshot 18-6 at five-on-five with its best player on the ice. Hughes†expected-goals-for share of 33.5 per cent looked like a misprint.

Through eight games, the Canucks have been outshot 91-64 at five-on-five with Hughes, and that shot-share of 41.3 per cent is more than 14 points below his elite level from last season.

The Canucks have 74 games to go and their surest thing is Quinn Hughes. But through two weeks, the Canucks†desperation is reflected by Hughes†desperation. Even with the greatest players on Earth, less is more sometimes.

Foote on power play: “The last three games, teams have been pressing us a lot on our power play. I think we have to move our feet a little bit more. . . and get a few more pucks to the net. We had some good looks, but it would have been nice to get one there (on the five-on-three).â€

Foote on the schedule: “We donâ€t have much time to, you know, get our legs back. But it is a condensed season that we all are aware of, and weâ€ve been aware of it for a long time. Itâ€s happening to every team, and every team is going to have their. . . tough week or tough two weeks. This is a tough one for us, but weâ€re going to be pros and get ready for the next one.â€

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The ultimate fate of an NHL team during any given contest can sometimes come down to a series of bounces and what some fans would simply refer to as good or bad luck.

Such was the case for Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat on Thursday evening during his team’s Home Opener loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.

He had multiple prime scoring chances that were denied by goaltender Jakub Dobes, or as was the case early in the second period, by the post.

DeBrincat’s ringer off the left post came just minutes before the Canadiens grabbed a 4-1 stranglehold over the Red Wings; had the puck been literally an inch to the right, it would have been a 3-2 hockey game.

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“It seemed like I missed both of those, and then they went down and scored shortly after, so it could have been a whole different game if those went in,” DeBrincat said on Friday. “Sometimes those are the bounces, that first one hit his shoulder and then the post. I hit my spot, and sometimes they go in, sometimes, they don’t.”

Like McLellan, DeBrincat reiterated that the setback against the Canadiens wasn’t the result of any single player but by the team getting away from the fundamentals.

“Letting in five, we shot ourselves in the foot,” DeBrincat said of the loss. “We gave up too many chances, and they’re a skilled team so they’re going to convert on those. Everything they got, we kind of gave to them. It was unfortunate.”

“We Earned Those”: Todd McLellan Says Red Wings Deserved Fan Boos After 5-1 Loss
Throughout his first Training Camp as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Todd McLellan emphasized the importance of mental fortitude and responding the right way when things inevitably go wrong over the course of an 82-game season.

“I think we talk about these things of how we’re going to play and the systems, and we have our blueprint; we just didn’t follow it,” he continued. “We knew what they were going to do, we knew from the start of the game. We just didn’t execute on defense and gave them too many chances.”

DeBrincat was Detroit’s leading goal scorer last season with 39 tallies, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him reach a similar number this season. Speaking of offensive firepower, the Toronto Maple Leafs still boast no shortage of said despite the offseason trade of Mitch Marner.

In order for the Red Wings to avoid a similar collapse like what they experienced against the Canadiens, the key will be tightening up defensively.

“Staying above them, playing on the defensive side of the puck,” DeBrincat said on how to defend against the Maple Leafs. “Just in general, forechecking hard. We did a little bit of that yesterday, but not enough. If we want to win games, we’re going to need to get more opportunities, and give up less.”

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Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story included UC Santa Barbara instead of West Virginia.

It is always difficult to trim the list of every recruiting class in college baseball down to a top 25 ranking. In what is the case every year, a number of schools end up having a valid argument to make the list but end up just missing out.

Below, you can find the 10 schools that just missed out on cracking our final top 25 recruiting class ranking for 2025. The list includes some blue blood programs, but also a handful of other schools that could be in store for an exciting 2026 season due in part to their impact newcomers. Itâ€s important to keep in mind that the teams below are listed alphabetically, and that this is not a ranking.

Central Florida

Following a tournament appearance in 2024—its first since 2017—UCF took a bit of a step back in 2025 and finished with a more modest record of 29-26. However, it was the Golden Knights†first year in the Big 12, and they showed plenty of positive flashes that bode well for the 2026 season. In addition to his quality transfer portal class, coach Rich Wallace and his staff have a few freshmen who could make an impact sooner rather than later.

Starting on the mound, lefthander Alan Soler presents an exciting blend of athleticism and remaining projection. Soler moves well on the mound and attacks from a three-quarters slot with a clean arm stroke. His fastball has been up to 92 mph with more velocity likely on the way, while his low-80s changeup has plus potential, and his upper-70s-to-low-80s slider is a solid third pitch. Soler fits into a number of appealing buckets, and getting him on campus is a major win for the Golden Knights.

The standout of the position player group is catcher Dallas Brooks. Brooks†defense is currently ahead of his offense, and heâ€s a good athlete behind the dish with advanced catch-and-throw skills. His swing is a little stiff and can get long at times, but Brooks†defensive ability is loud enough to be his carrying tool. Fellow backstop Sebastian Hurtado was a member of the Braves†East Coast Pro Showcase team, and he flashed solid bat-to-ball skills on the summer circuit.

Clemson

Clemson won 40-plus games for the third-straight year in 2025, but its season again came to an end on its home field. While there is lost production to make up for—especially as it pertains to the irreplaceable hole left by star centerfielder Cam Cannarella—the Tigers boast both an exciting group of newcomers and returning talent. Clemson hasnâ€t made the College World Series since 2010, but it will again have Omaha upside in 2026.

Projection lefthander Nicholas Frusco is the headliner of Clemsonâ€s recruiting class. Standing at 6-foot-5, Frusco features a fastball that sits in the high 80s/low 90s to go along with a low-80s slider for which heâ€s shown feel to spin. Fruscoâ€s heater was up to 93 mph this spring, and he should add a few ticks of velocity as he continues to mature physically. He rounds out his arsenal with a low-80s changeup, though at this point itâ€s a distant third offering. Itâ€s rather easy to dream on what Frusco will look like when heâ€s next eligible for the draft in 2028.

Speaking of lefthanders, Daniel Margolies is another Tigers arm to follow. He doesnâ€t quite have the upside of Frusco, but his fastball has been up to 93 mph to go along with a mid-to-upper-70s curveball that proved to be effective on the 2024 travel circuit. Margolies relies heavily on his heater, and he lacks a distinct third pitch, but he has a chance to log a handful of innings this spring.

Indiana

Indiana coach Jeff Mercer has done a fantastic job since taking the reins of the program ahead of the 2019 season. While the Hoosiers took a slight step back in 2025 after back-to-back tournament appearances, they won 30-plus games for the third-straight season, and their 16 conference victories were tied for the most since 2021.

Indiana is no stranger to having freshmen make a considerable impact. Two of the last three Big Ten freshmen of the year—Devin Taylor in 2023 and Jake Hanley in 2025—were both Hoosiers. In whatâ€s become the standard in Bloomington, Mercer and his staff have put together another strong recruiting class.

Six-foot-three righthander Xavier Carrera has plenty of pure talent, though heâ€s more of a thrower than he is a pitcher at this point. Carrera has no shortage of arm speed, and last spring his high-spin heater was up to 97 mph. The pitch has plus potential, and he pairs it with a slurvy breaking ball that sits in the upper 70s. Carrera rounds out his arsenal with a low-80s changeup thatâ€s emerged as a serviceable third pitch against lefthanded hitters. In addition to taking a sizable step forward in the strike-throwing department, Carrera will need to improve the quality of his breaker to help diminish his reliever risk.

On the other side of the baseball, outfielder Trey Meyers was one of the most athletic prepsters in the 2025 class. While heâ€s listed at an impressive 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Meyers has managed to turn in plus run times and was a standout physical tester. As someone with long levers, Meyers†swing can get disconnected at times, which leads to swing-and-miss. And while there are hit tool questions, Meyers has no-doubt plus power upside and moves well enough to potentially stick in the outfield.

Kentucky

The Wildcats in 2025 couldnâ€t quite replicate the success of back-to-back super regional appearances, but they did make the tournament for the third-straight year for the first time in program history. Coach Nick Mingione has turned the Wildcats into a perennial contender and, after breaking down the door to Omaha for the first time in program history in 2024, the “Bat Cats†are hungry for more.

While Kentucky has a knack for faring well in the transfer portal, it also recruits at a high level. Lefthanded hitting outfielder Braxton Van Cleave has an exciting toolset. He fits into the “tools over performance†bucket right now, but he has big-time bat speed to go along with present strength and projection remaining. He also consistently turns in above-average run times. A torn UCL and subsequent Tommy John surgery robbed Van Cleave of his senior high school season, but he still has a chance to earn meaningful at-bats this spring.

While weâ€re on the subject of tools, catcher Owen Jenkins shows the ability to impact the game in a number of different ways. He has thunderous bat speed and above-average raw power, though his hit tool needs a coat or two of polish. Behind the plate, he has a plus arm, and his throws consistently carry through the base. As a cherry on top, Jenkins has also turned in above-average run times.

NC State

Following a run to the College World Series in 2024, NC State last spring made a regional for the third consecutive year. The Wolfpack have won at least 35 games in each of the last 10 full seasons, and itâ€s a streak that seems destined to continue in 2026.

NC State brought in a handful of quality additions via the portal, but the freshman duo of Everett Johnson and Vincent DeCarlo are a pair of standouts. Johnson is an undersized outfielder who fits the mold of a slash-and-dash hitter at the top of the order. He boasts advanced bat-to-ball skills and a patient approach while consistently turning in plus run times. Johnson has the potential to stick in center field, though he could also slide over to left.

DeCarloâ€s defense is ahead of his bat right now, and he was one of the more highly-regarded defensive catchers in the 2025 high school class. He has a prototypical catcherâ€s build, and he moves well behind the dish with reliable hands. On top of his catch-and-throw skills, DeCarlo has demonstrated the ability to block at a high level. He has an above-average arm, regularly gets off quick transfers and his footwork is compact and clean. DeCarloâ€s approach and contact skills serve as a solid foundation to his offensive profile.

Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish are still searching for their first tournament berth since their run to the College World Series in 2022, but 2025 was a major step in the right direction. Notre Dame coach Shawn Stiffler and his staff have the program trending in the right direction, and their 32 wins last season were the program’s third-most since 2015.

When it comes to sheer athleticism, it will be hard for any freshman to top Brandon Logan. A four-star safety with multiple Power Four football offers, Logan committed to Notre Dame for both baseball and football. On the diamond, he’s a double-plus runner whose speed and athleticism give him a chance to be an impact defender in center field. Loganâ€s offensive ability is a bit more crude, but he has above-average bat speed and intriguing power upside.

The son of former major leaguer Jim Crowell, Caden Crowell is a 6-foot-4 southpaw with a solid three-pitch mix featuring a fastball that has been up to 94 mph. His command of the pitch can get scattered at times, but he demonstrated a solid feel for both his upper-70s-to-low-80s slider and low-80s changeup. As Crowell continues to fill out, expect both his velocity and pure stuff to tick up across the board.

Oregon State

The Beavers are a perennial College World Series contender, and last season was their first trip to Omaha since 2018. While they fell short of their ultimate goal, it was still a mighty successful 2025 season for coach Mitch Canhamâ€s crew.

Mason Pike ranked No. 68 on the final iteration of the BA 500, and he heads into 2026 as one of the most prized freshmen in the country. Pike has a chance to make an immediate impact on both sides of the baseball, but his ability on the mound is slightly more appealing. His fastball has been up to 97 mph, and itâ€s a high-spin pitch for which he deploys two different shapes. In addition to his four-seamer, Pikeâ€s sinker this fall has proven to be effective with upwards of 18 inches of run. His go-to secondary offering is a low-to-mid-80s sweeper that routinely flashes above-average, while his mid-80s changeup is a clear third pitch. Pikeâ€s strike-throwing can be inconsistent, but his pitchability took a step in the right direction last spring. In the box, Pike is a switch-hitter with quick hands who has shown he can drive the baseball into either gap.

Josh Proctor boasts some of the most impressive raw power of any freshman in the country. While he stands in at a massive 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Proctor does a nice job keeping his swing rather compact for someone of his stature. He has a knack for generating quality contact and could develop into plus game power. Proctor is not a standout athlete by any means, but his arm translates well over at third base. If he is unable to stick on the dirt, Proctor could man a corner outfield spot.

Southern California

For the first time since 2015, USC returned to the tournament last spring. It was a long time coming for the Trojans, and coach Andy Stankiewicz has done an excellent job since taking over ahead of the 2023 season. Rather than an anomaly, it’s not unreasonable to expect 2025 to become the new normal for the Trojans.

The big fish of this yearâ€s group of incoming freshmen for USC is undoubtedly Diego Velazquez. While he was just 17 years old on draft day, Velazquez boasts an impressive blend of bat speed and physicality. He has a loose, easy swing from the left side and regularly works the middle of the field. Velazquez has a chance to possess an enticing hit-power combination when all is said and done, and heâ€s performed well this fall. Defensively, his actions and smooth hands give him a chance to stick at shortstop, but his above-average arm also profiles nicely at third base if he needs to move off the position.

On the bump, Gavin Lauridsen is an intriguing ball of clay that Southern Californiaâ€s staff will get the chance to mold. Lauridsen measures 6-foot-5, 200 pounds with ample room to add strength and physicality. His delivery is accompanied by a head whack, but he has present arm speed, and his effort figures to diminish as he matures physically. Lauridsenâ€s fastball has been up to 95 mph with real carry through the zone, and it’s a pitch he supplements with a mid-70s curveball that has solid depth, a distinct upper-70s-to-low-80s slider and a low-80s changeup.

Virginia Tech

After hosting a super regional in 2022, Virginia Tech has failed to make the tournament in each of the last three seasons. With returning production and a group of newcomers hungry to leave their mark on the program, the Hokies will look to return to form in 2026.

Headlining the group of newcomers is righthander Ethan Grim. Grim had tons of draft buzz last spring, but opted to honor his commitment to Virginia Tech. His performance on the summer circuit was particularly impressive, and between East Coast Pro and the Area Code Games he struck out 11 of the 19 batters faced. Grimâ€s fastball has been up to 96 mph with life through the zone, and it consistently gets over the barrel of opposing hitters. He has a feel for both his upper-70s-to-low-80s slider and mid-70s curveball. Grim rounds out his arsenal with a low-80s changeup—another pitch for which he has an advanced feel. He is perpetually in “attack mode,†and he consistently competes in and around the strike zone. With an appealing blend of strikes and stuff, Grim is a safe bet to start long term.

Infielder Ethan Ball has a clean stroke from the left side with more impact than his 6-foot, 185-pound frame might suggest. Thereâ€s some swing-and-miss to his game, but Ball is a plus runner whose actions on the dirt give him a strong chance to stick up the middle.

West Virginia

The Steve Sabins Era got off to a roaring start in Morgantown last season, as the first-year coach led West Virginia to its second-straight super regional. Thereâ€s plenty of veteran production to replace on both sides of the baseball, but Sabins has a solid group of returners to build around in addition to an impressive crop of newcomers.

On the dirt, shortstop David PerezhasÂintriguing tools on both sides of the baseball. Perez has strength packed into his 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame, and he doesnâ€t get cheated in the box. In addition to his impressive bat speed, Perez has flashed particular impact to the pull side. His approach, however, will need a coat or two of polish. Perez has a no-doubt plus arm on the dirt and he likely fits best over at the hot corner. On the hill, heâ€s flashed a fastball thatâ€s been up to 95 mph in addition to a low-80s breaking ball.

While he missed the 2024 summer circuit recovering from Tommy John Surgery, 6-foot-6 righthander Hudson Cavallo is an arm on which to keep close tabs. He deploys two different fastball shapes—a four-seamer thatâ€s been up to 95 mph with carry through the zone and a two-seamer with distinct armside run—as well as a slider and changeup. With plenty of projection remaining, Cavallo has a chance to blossom during his time in Morgantown.

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Naomi Osaka showcased custom Labubu dolls during her US Open semi-final run in New York. (AP) Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has completed her viral US Open Labubu collection by revealing the sixth and final member on social media this weekend. The tennis star’s collection of custom zoomorphic monster dolls gained significant attention during her run to the US Open semifinals this summer, where she showcased bedazzled keychain versions inspired by tennis legends.The former world No. 1 commissioned New York City-based artist Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir Studio to create the sparkly Labubu dolls. Each doll was revealed after her victories at the US Open, featuring designs inspired by tennis icons like Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, and Andre Agassi.WATCH: Naomi Osaka shows off her sixth and final US Open LabubuAfter her three-set loss to Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, Osaka expressed disappointment about missing the opportunity to reveal a special Labubu she had planned.”I wanted to make one of myself in last year’s outfit, and it was the green one. I would have had the bow, and I’m sick about it,” Osaka revealed through laughter. “Oh, my God, that’s, like, the worst thing. Honestly, I’m fine losing, but don’t ask me about this Labubu, man. Yeah, it would have been me.”
The unrealised design has now become reality. Osaka unveiled the green doll on Instagram, featuring the “Lolita goth”-inspired look and bow as originally planned. The reveal video was accompanied by a British voice-over discussing a “24-karat Labubu,” incorporating current trends surrounding these collectible dolls.Osaka’s Labubu collection generated substantial buzz during the US Open, matching the attention received for her impressive return to form on the court. Her tournament run marked her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance in four years.The tennis star is scheduled to continue her season at the Wuhan Open, where she will face former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the first round on Tuesday. Spectators may spot the newest addition to her Labubu collection, “Naomi Glowsaka,” among her tennis equipment.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

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.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

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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.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

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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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