Top 5 AEW Moments

Intro

In the past 5 years, AEW has carved it self a niche in the market of Pro Wrestling. From epic debuts. Emotional shows, and moments, and movements that will stay with fans, far beyond the annual PPV Circle. What can I say, other than, this company, are the reason why I love waking up early on a Thirsday Morning. This is my top 5 AEW moments. So far.

5 it's Stiiiiiiiing

2020's winter is coming, was one hell of a show, from the title change, that saw Kenny Omega overthrow Jon Moxley, as the. World Heavyweight Championship. Wardlow continuing to make a name for himself, and of course, the return to wrestling, from a five year absence of Sting, this was a monumental moment, because Sting was back on the TNT network, for the first time in over nineteen years, and when we walk back through the anals of time, this very nearly didn't happen, due to an injury, that he suffered an injury match against Seth Rollins. It was like travelling back in time, to a more simpler time.

4 RIP Brodie Lee

On the 26th of December 2020, the world was saddened to hear of the news, that Brodie Lee had passed away. The following episode of Dynamite Storylines were dropped, as remembering a loved one took centre stage. The sight of Tony Khan hugging Negative one, is something that I will never forget. Enough said.

3 A Boom Becomes a Dragon

All Out 2021 is considered one the company's best ever PPV's, and if i'm being honest, I can see why, but it was what happened at the end of show that had the internet buzzing. Kenny Omega took to the mic, after he beat christian Cage for the World Heavyweight Championship, he said that anyone can come back, even if there dead, which was a reference, harpering back to his days in ROH, making his Being The Elite series, and the episode in question, featured a death that go on to become undisputed. Adam Cole, would walk out, the night before, he faced Kyle O'reilly, at NXT 36 Takeover in Orlando, but things were about to get interesting, because with seconds left of the PPV out walked. Bryan Danielson, and my fantasy booking brain went into overdrive.

2 Easter Eggs Turn Into Ice Cream Bars

The 1st Dance, was a groundbreaking success, from the formation being layed out bare, to the out crying of emotion, when an Ice Cream bar loving Muffin Chomper, made his return to the wrestling industry, that took so much from him. I think it's safe to say, that I'm a mark for Cm Punk.

All In London 2023 Announcement

It was the week after a controversial Wrestlemania, and the world was still recovering from what they had seen. WWE had shown it's hand, by giving fans a badly received end to night 2 of mania, and a poorly received Raw after Mania. A couple of days after this, it was AEW's turn to shake up the world, and, well they did. I woke up on a Thursday morning, I turned on the wrestling news from google, and my first thoughts screamed. NO WAY. AEW WAS RUNNING WEMBLEY STADIUM, NOT ARENA. STADIUM, my jaw hit the ground, and I thought, nah this can't be true, but it was. They were running Wembley, and I couldn't believe it. I don't care about the attendences, because it doesn't matter, because the only people that won hear, wear the fans. I've attended both outings so far.

 

My Top 5 TV Influences, and how I think they merge with Pro Wrestling

Intro

Every writer has their own influences, in the world of Pro wrestling, some people look at the likes of Stu Sacks. Dave Meltzer, and. Brian Alvarez, but some like myself, at a young age, were captivated by tv shows that they grew up with. I think tv has counteracted in the zeitgeist of Pro Wrestling, for decades, and these are some of my inspirations.

5 Buffy The Vampire Slayer

In the verse of my inspirations, this is high on the list. The build behind the Scooby Gang is something, that has been adapted by Pro Wrestling, especially in recent years. How has this been a influence on me? The Storylines were groundbreaking, from the LGBTQ+ representation, which at the time in the late 1990's, this was lacking in Sci Fi Horror tv, to the never ending grasp that the show has had, from it's sharp writing, to its daring attitude, that spoke to fans, young, and old at the time. Wrestling has always had this ability, because lets be honest. It always has us coming back for more.

4 EERIE INDIANA

As Pro wrestling fans, we're a bunch, that love the unexplained, like what was the basis behind Jake Roberts love for Snakes. Who Slapped Kevin Owens with a pie. And what was in. He Who Shall Not Be Named's box. EERIE INDIANA, is a perfect example of this. I love this show, as a fan of Sci Fi tv. It still holds up to this day, the unexplained is something, that has always had my attention. The dialogue at a young age, made me wonder. what it would be like if  I worked in television as a career when I was older? I was thinking like this at the age of 11. This Shows Influence, may not be felt today, but to me it was vital in my development.

3 My So Called Life

This show is the most honest portrayal of teenage life, ever put on tv. Now I know what your thinking, What does a teen show have in common with Pro Wrestling? Well, It's honesty. I feel that in the early stages of AEW, their was a sense of freedom, that hasn't been a thing in Pro Wrestling at the time, for over 20 years. Honesty was seaping into the industry, as fans were taken on a ride of great storytelling, that was navigated by Tony Khan, in a way that in my opinion, echoed the same path of Angela Chase, the shows main protagonist, played by Clare Danes. My writing has been heavily influenced by this show, and it remains an influence on teenage television to this day. The wrestling industry can learn lessons from this show.

2 Sons Of Anarchy

This is one of my favourite tv shows of the past 20 years. I feel it's influence has been massive on The Bloodline, from Romans uprising, to his grooming of his own family, and Sami Zayn. This was a mirror Image. In Sons, the main character was Jax Teller, a man who was conflicted with the elements of his own family, and him wanting to change the dynamic, and in the verse of WWE, There's Roman Reigns, who at the time was a parasite who wanted to hold a grasp of control on his own faction. Jax Teller is Jey Uso, and. Sami Zayn, to men who tried to act like the moral compass of the family, whilst Roman was Clay Morrow, a man who was hell bent on grooming his gang into his own form of thinking. The writing of this show, to me is a stallwart in the way tv is produced, and how wrestling is influenced by the Drama.

1 The Simpsons

If you're the head of a company, that produces weekly tv, then you need to take some form of influence from The Simpsons. It is one of the most well observed tv shows ever, how does this mesh with Pro Wrestling? In the 1990's The Simpsons was a ratings powerhouse across the globe, and the controversy it was caused, would be felt. Parent groups hated it, as modern culture was moving, and changing in order to keep up with the times. The then WWF's Attitude Era latched on to this, and it would pay off heavily. The Monday Night Wars was a time period in Pro Wrestling history, that would see one company's demise, and another regain their dominance, the career counteractions provided the evidence, because controversy created cash.

Monday Night Raw Review

Warning

In the Intro I will be talking about the issue of domestic Violence, reader discretion is advised.

Intro

As I write this on a Tuesday evening, news has just come out about the real why Odyssey Jones, was removed from the WWE online roster, and this sparked of doubt amongst fans. At this point I must stress that this is a rumour, and this is an ever growing story, but, at this time, it seems like he might be gone from the company, after allegations of Domestic Violence came to light. I'm actually stunned. If he's done what he's been accused of, then he shouldn't work in the business ever again, and if these rumours aren't true, then were does he go from here. It's a tricky predicament. Just for the record. I don't condone violence against women at all. Anyone man who hits a women, isn't a man. I just think we need a bit more info. If you've been affected by Domestic Violence, then if you live in the UK, you can call Refuge on 0808 2000 247, and if you live in the United States, you can call The National Domestic Hotline on 1 503-236-5600. Global services in your region should also be able to help.

New Announcer

Wade Barrett kicked off the show, by introducing Joe Tessitore, our new play by play announcer on Monday Nights. I think he had a great first night.

Superstars showing

Gunther. Cm Punk, and. Our new Tag Team Champions. Bianca Belair, and. Jade Cargill, were all seen showing up to the arena.

Rhea Ripley Segment

Rhea Ripley came out, and welcomed us to Monday Night Mami, she boasted with joy, about how everything went down on Saturday Night, and she's not done with The Human Oven, and. Mullet Chaser, or. The Judgement Day, and challenged her to a match for her belt. The Human Oven walked out, and told Rhea that His Chicken Tenders loving partner in crime isn't here tonight, because she was recovering from Jetlag. ( and the rest ) He tells Rhea, that His girlfriend will face her anytime, any place. Rhea said that she's beaten her once, and she will do it again, Rhea calls The Oven stupid in Spanish. The Mullet Chaser comes out, and attacks Rhea, and she gets caught in the ring ropes. Priest came out to make the save, and. The Human Oven, and his girlfriend. The Mullet Chaser ran off. I had a lot of fun watching this. This would act as a through show storythread. Rhea would help set up a tag match for the main event. Say it with me everyone. Yeet.

American Made vs The Alpha Academy

American. American. American Made f*** yeah. Alpha Academy your time is through, and now they have to answer to. American Made, f*** yeah. American Made beat. The Alpha Academy, when Ivy Nile, put. Maxxine dupri in a submission hold. Chad Gable, then took to the mic, and called out The Wyatt Sick, and challenged them to a 8 man tag Street Fight, next week. Uncle Howdy stepped out on the stage, and gave a touching speech, in the shade of his brother Bray, and accepted the match, as he was joined by his army of the lost, to end the segment.

Zelina Vega vs Shayna Baszler

Shayna Baszler, beat. Zelina Vega, in a terrible tv match, that offered nothing to me, she was then beaten down in the aftermath, and. Sonya Deville had me putting my fingers in my ears, and saying the words la la la la i'm not listening, because her promo, afterwards as her gaggle of ladies took over, was awful. Shout to that fan that paid tribute Zelina's dad, who passed away in 9/11 terror attack, you my fellow fan, are an angel sent from the heavens. Lyra Valkyria tried to make the save, but she got taken out. I'm having nightmares of badly performed sharpshooters.

Cm Punk Segmet

I loved this segment. Punk came out, and he was bursting at the seems, he was pleased to be in Denver, as the toughness of his match on Saturday, against Drew Mcintyre was now in the rearview mirror, he was to do business, because he's a business man, and he wants the man who took Randy Orton to the edge, he wants. Gunther, he wants the World Champion. So he can get used to hearing Cult Of Personality. Punk revelled in the fans adjulation, and as quick as he got on the desk, who was brought back down to earth, when Drew Mcintyre attacked him. Wade Barrett tried to stop him, but this didn't work. Officials came out to stop him, but they came up short. Punk got stretchered out of the building, and when he was about to be lifted into the ambulance, Drew attacked again, and this time officials managed to get him away, This. Was. Brilliant. I got real Austin, and. Bret Hart vibes from this.

The Human Oven vs Dragon Lee vs Ilja Dragunov IC Tournament

This. Was, a decent tv match, that had a good balance of fun, shenanigans, and physicality. Dragunov got the win, this, if you ask me, was the best he's looked in a while, on the main roster. Adam Pearce was backstage, and he was trying to get someone for the next round, to replace Bronson Reed, who had been taken down by Covid. Braun Strowman stepped forward, he was selling his ribs, and injuries that he sustained last week, in that awesome spot. Adam cleared him, and he went on to beat. Sheamus, and. Ludwig Kaiser, thanks to Sheamus getting hit by Pete Dunne with a shalaleigh.

Damage Ctrl vs Unholy Alliance

Bianca Belair, and. Jade Cargill, sat at ringside for no1 contenders match, and I don't know what to think about it. Something just felt off, from the word go. Iyo Sky took a nasty looking dump to the outside, that could very aesily gone south. Fyre and Dawn won, this was a disaster.

Kofi Kingston Segment

Kofi wants to get him and Xavier a shot at the Tag Team Championships, Ok then WWE if you must.

Gunther Segment

On Saturday WWE smashed their own arena gate record, and it was all because of Gunther. He revelled in his own pride, as he beat the best version of Randy orton, he portrayed his rise to the top, as historic. Sami Zayn then came out, to rain on his parade, he has echoed the same route as Gunther, to get to the top. IC to the main belt, just like some of the greats including. Macho Man Randy Savage. Bret Hart, and. Stone Cold Steve Austin. Gunther counteracted this perfectly, by calling Sami, a loser, and an underdog that people love, but in all honesty, when they stepped forward, he stepped backwards. Gunther refused a championship match against Sami. Playing the game of history, worked as Sami reminded Gunther, that he's the only man to have beaten him on the main roster. Sami Zayn is the definition of that 90s song I Get knocked Down, But I Get Up Again. I for got its real title. Gunther can't run and hide.

Bron Breakker Segment

I got real Goblin King from Labrynth vibes from this segment. Turn Back Jey, don't go after Rhea.

Damian Priest and Jey Uso vs Finn Balor and JD Mcdonagh

Damian and Jey, got the win, against. Finn Balor, and. JD Mcdonagh in a fun tv match filled with shenanigans, but, this is. The Judgement Days umpteenth loss in a matter of weeks, and it's starting to get a bit boring.

Overview Of Monday Night Raw

I don't know what make of this weeks Raw. It had some good stuff on it, but the rest, well i'm not sure about.

This weeks Raw is a mid 6/10.

My 5 Bryan Danielson Matches

Intro

As early september slowly starts to seep in, The dust isn't starting to settle on a legendary career. In the build to AEW All In, the focus was put on Danielsons career, as they laid bare, what the industry could look like without him in it This had me thinking, just what are his best matches, so I decied to delve into this, and ask that very question.

5 Daniel Bryan vs Kane WWE Extreme Rules First Fire Match

I have to put this one in here for comedic effect, because if you don't find a reprohensible human being, getting set on fire funny, then I don't know what to tell you.

4 Bryan Danielson vs Nigel Mcguiness ROH 2000's

If you've never seen this match, then you need to go and seek it out. Youtube is your friend, the match oozed promise, and passion. This. Was. A clear sign as two were the industry was heading, and ten years later down the line.

3 Daniel Bryan vs Randy Orton vs Batista WWE Championship Wrestlemania 30

If you ended wrestling after this match. I don't think many fans would complain. Take yourself back to 2014, and the state of the WWE, wasn't in the best place, they were failing to make new stars, whilst pushing away there core audience, by relying on chosen favourites, to pull in fans to the arena's. In 2012 a movement started to garner from the underground of WWE's pits, and would end up taking the hearts, and minds of many fans, who were fed up by the common practices, and wanted a change. Daniel, and his army, that can be described in one word. Yes, would go on to occupy the internet, and. Monday Night Raw, as the support for Bryan stretched into fever pitch, as the show of shows echoed even closer. The main event was an emotional ride, that no fan will ever forget. The closing image of Bryan holding Conor Malik, a child who weeks later after this passed away from Cancer, is a testement in the anals of time, as the confetti rained down. Yes is the word, and Daniel was the man.

2 Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega AEW GrandSlam September 2021

I loved this match, from Danielson selling his convoltions. Kenny attempting several one winged angel near falls, and the physicality was exceptional, as two of the best workers in the industry, pulled off a classic for the ages. I love this match.

1 Bryan Danielson vs Swerve Strickland AEW All In 2024

Ok. I'm going to be a bit biased, because I attended this show, and if i'm honest, this was one of the best nights of my life. The build was an emotional trip down memory lane, as my teen years were soundtracked perfectly. Danielson picked up the main prize, allowing his career to continue, the emotion was written all over his face, as he celebrated his with his family, the confetti rained down, and the pyro went off into the Wembley Skyline. Thank you Danielson, for the matches, and the memories.

AEW Collision Review 1.9.2024

Intro

The Summer is over, and the nights are drawing in, and the wrestling is getting better, which is strange for this time of year. WWE Bash In Berlin, was a steller card, that in my opinion over delivered, and next week it's AEW All Out, so, that leaves me to say one thing. Sometimes it's good to be a wrestling fan.

Orange Cassidy Kyle O'reilly and Hologram vs The Beast Mortas Lee moriarty and Johny TV

I had a blast watching this opening match. I think I might be in love with the character of The Beast Mortas, because he keeps on getting better, everytime I see him. Hologram had a good showing here, as he was able to showcase his high flying metric with ease. His moonsault to the outside, was a highlight. Kyle O'reilly showed us that he's a daring so and so, by going one one with The Beast Mortas. Hologram then had his own scuffle with the self proclaimed Beast, and this was the best part of the match, because he got sphered out of his boots by The Beast, after elevation became an option. Hologram got the win for his team, by giving Johny TV a spanish fly from the top rope. This. Was. A lot of fun.

The Bang Bang Gang vs The Premier Athletes

The Bang Bang Gang, beat. The Premier Athletes in a flat tv match. Patrick stop eating Malteasers when you watch The Premier athletes, because your only going to end up feeling guilty. Says the person who's already gone through an entire more to share bag.

Main Event Ladies

All four ladies who are in tonights main event, gave their thoughts on how things are going to go down, this acted as a through show thread.

FTR vs Mike Bennett and Matt Taven

FTR, beat. Mike Bennett, and. Matt Taven, in a decent tv match, with good levels of physicality.

Lance Archer Segment 

Lance Archer, was backstage doing his best impersonation of Nelson Muntz, by bullying and beating people up. Say it with me everyone, hah hah.

Top Flight and Action Andretti and Lio Rush vs Iron Savages Turbo Floyd and James Jameson

Top Flight. Action Andretti, and Lio Rush, beat. The Iron savages. Turbo Floyd, and James Jameson in a fun tv match. It was a random one, but hey, who cares.

Kyle Fletcher vs Tomohiro Ishii

I loved this match, the physicality oozed out of every pour from both men. Tomohiro took a nasty looking brainbuster on the apron, later on in the match he made a back drop driver look easy. Their levels of chemistry, shone through when this match reached its final destination. Fletcher got the win, this was excellent. Also I love Damn It Don Callis on commentary.

Danielson Video

You know what, it's funny to think, that this time last week. I was on my way home, from a life affirming moment, watching Danielson win the AEW World Heavyweight Championship. His match against Jack Perry will bang.

Pac Segment

I don't know what Pac is on about. Good things do come to those who wait. I've eaten two bags of more to share Malteasers, also his six man match on wednesday should be fun.

Buddy Matthews vs Kommander

I liked all of this. Both men showed that they have great chemistry, as they created a fun fast pace, that carried the match. Buddy Matthews got the win, and accepted a match against MXM Collective. It sounds like fashions answer to a Street Fight.

Sareena Deeb vs Hikaru Shida vs Queen Aminata vs Thunder Rosa

This. Was. A great main event, all four ladies managed to carve out a decent story in this, by letting their energetic bursts, become the matches vocal point, the physicality was great, and the balance was achieved. Shida got the win, and will face Mercedes Mone, at. All Out for the TBS Championship.

Overview Of AEW Collision

This Weeks Collision was a blast, with very little negatives to report on, as the Summer winds down, It's nice to use tv as a pallet cleanser.

This Weeks AEW Collision is a solid 8/10.

WWE Bash In Berlin Review 31.8.2024

Intro

I can't believe how quick August has gone. It seems like yesterday, when me and my friend Dave were making plans to meet up in London over AEW All In weekend, and now, here we are. WWE Bash In Berlin, and if think i'm slowing down. NO CHANCE, because i'm only getting started.

Kevin Owens vs Cody Rhodes WWE Undisputed Championship

I loved this match, their stair down at the beginning felt, visceral, and, vital. The physicality was performed at a steady pace, and moulded into the story, to create a great woven tapestry of a match. Both men gave everything to the course of taking the fans on a ride, that didn't let up at any point. The in ring work was solid, and the near falls fell into place nicely, as. Cody retained. The show of respect at the end between the two, was a great. Ok. I'm not going to lie. I thought that Kevin Owens, was going to turn heel on Cody, but, he didn't, and you know what. It makes sense, when you think about it.

Fyre and Dawn vs Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair Womens Tag Team Championship

I thought this match fell flat. It was clunky in places, and in my opinion, it never recovered. Jade, and. Bianca won their belts back. in order to become two time Tag Team champions. I wasn't impressed.

Cm Punk vs Drew Mcintyre Strap Match

I liked all of this. The match was a simplistic showcase in great storytelling. Drews obsession became the main focus, alongside the great physicality. In the words of Good Old Jim Ross, these two men whipped each other like a couple of Goverment Mules. Punk got put through a table. Drew sold the pain of a sharpshooter perfectly, but he struggled to put Punk away, he gave The Second City Saint a claymore, but this wasn't enough, because Drews mindgames became his downfall. Punk noticed, that Drew had put on the bracelet that he stole from him, and after a great final exchange. Punk got the win, after he gave Drew 3 gts's, and then touched all 4 corners of the ring. I think the next step for this rivalry, is going to go straight through hell and back.

Record set

WWE's German announcer Sebastian Hackl, informed the fans, that Bash In Berlin is the highest grossing arena event In WWE history. I'm not suprised, I mean the price of the tickets were going for nearly $4.00 euros. Now thats expensive.

The Human Oven and The Mullet Chaser vs The Terror Twins

I had a lot of fun watching this. It was a storythreaded cotton candy fan pleaser. The match was worked at a decent pace, and the physicality blended in with in ring work. Rhea, and. Priest got the win, after a flurry of shenanigans including The Judgement Day went south. Both. The Human Oven, and. The Mulletchaser were hit with a couple Razors Edge's. I don't think that The Human Oven will be eating any Chicken Tenders tonight. I think The Mullet Chaser might have to punish him. ( if you know what I'm saying )

Gunther vs Randy Orton WWE Heavyweight Championship

This. Was. My match of the night, from. Ludwig Kaiser, taking over from Samantha Irvin, and announcing his Imperium leaders stats, also the sight of wade Barrett getting down with his bad self, was a sight to be seen. The in ring work resembled a slugfest, that helped both mens differant styles mold together, this allowed the physicality to flow like a fine craft beer. Gunther got put through the announcers table by Randy. The near falls were well placed, but it was Gunther who retained his belt, when he made Randy pass out, after a fantastic final exchange. The fans were electric through this match, and the evening. They gave Gunther a standing ovation, as he stood up victorious, and you know what, it was well deserved.

Overview Of Bash In Berlin

WWE's hot streak of international PLE's continues, because. Bash In Berlin has been nothing short of a triumph. The In ring work was elevated by a red hot crowd. Which should send a message to fans around the world, this is how it should be done.

WWE Bash In Berlin is a solid 9/10. 

My Top 5 Cm Punk Matches

Intro

When you think of the name Cm Punk, what words come to mind, to some. Trouble. Controversial, and. Mass Panic, come to mind, but to me. Passion. Fire, and. Baked Goods comes to mind. If you haven't guessed I'm a massive fan of one Cm Punk, and with him facing Drew Mcintyre, at this weekends Bash In Berlin PLE. I think there's no better time, to take a trip down Cult Of Personality lane. Right, I think im going to crack open a mango flavoured Pepsi Max.

5 Cm Punk vs Eddie Kingston AEW Full Gear 2021

When this got confirmed, my old school ROH loving heart skipped a beat. Both men travelled the same roads, before Punk went to WWE, so when you ad all of these ingridients together, what you got was an excellent match, that came from a brilliant promo on Rampage. I loved all of this.

4 Cm Punk vs Brock Lesnar Summerslam 2013

I can understand that this match, will be looked at with differant eyes, in 2024, due to the fact that Brock lesnars future with WWE is up in the air, because he was brought up in the He Who Shall Not Named lawsuit. But he did have some great matches, and this was one of them. This match came at the height of Punks creative frustration, and as a result, we got this excellent match, the nearfalls were well timed, and the flow is something, that after this, went missing from WWE tv. Daniel Bryan might have been screwed in the main event, by. The Authority in the main event, but. Punk, and. Lesnar stole the show.

3 Cm Punk vs The Undertaker Wrestlemania 29

In 2013. WWE was overseeing it's own creative downfall, as criticism from fans, was getting even more harder to ignore. Cm Punk over the past two years, prior to this match, had found a way, to stretch out a path for success for himself. His 18 month run with the WWE Championship, had come to an end at the hands of The Rock, which acted as the main set up for his twice in a lifetime match against John Cena, as the main event of this show, But. Punk, and. Taker. Stole the show. This may have had an ill timed build, after the death of Paul Bearer. ( Which is still uneasy to watch for me ) The nearfalls were sensational, and the drama was elevated, with the legit threat of the streak possibly coming to and end. I think this was the best match, in the later days of the streak in my opinion.

2 Cm Punk vs MJF AEW Revolution 2022

I don't know what else to say about this match other than, it was perfect, The build was a thing of perfection, and the match was a bloody beatiful reminder, of just how majestic Pro wrestling can be. This was perfection personified.

1 Cm Punk vs Samoa Joe ROH 2002

Many fans point to their second match, as the best in their trilogy, but for my money, the first one, was, by far one of their crowning achievements. It might not have the flash of scene from back then, but, this is essential viewing, as both mens passion, made this a high end affair, that holds up, to this very day.