WingedEagle

The Texas 80s set didn't rate as highly for me as the others for that very reason. It was clear they were a huge deal and incredible stars to their audience but it simply didn't translate all these years later. I wonder how much of that is due to music and production making them seem like even bigger stars at the time while we've now had decades of that being done across the board, so when you strip that away there's not much left except on those special nights when they'd really connect with the right opponent.

Apparently its widespread. New day vs. Lashley/AJ/Omos is a solid addition, but gives me great concern that they're pushing this past the 3 hour mark. What do folks think is the over/under for when it ends?

That's good to hear. I was there before 6PM and didn't see anyone asked for their card. Same for my friends who arrived over the next half hour or so, but at least it seems like it wasn't policy to completely disregard it.

One issue with Wednesday's taping is that it was far from the smoothest live event experience and certainly lacking compared with other events in the area. Vaccination was required for admission yet I didn't hear of a single person being asked to present evidence at the door. Similarly, my seats were in a section in the stands that's there year round as opposed to something constructed on the floor for this show. However, it turns out my section number didn't actually exist. There was only one instance where someone came by thinking they should've been in our seats (which we ID'd and confirmed with an usher and supervisor using a seating chart) but it seemed a bit amateur hour. I've got no idea whether these fall on AEW or Arthur Ashe, but especially with the roof closed I would've liked a bit more vigilance on the vaccination front.

Big question is whether I take my chances with parking or take the subway. Still surreal that I'm going to this show tonight. Hopefully Omega/Dragon isn't too rushed.

I was hoping I'd get to see Danielson & Omega in an 8 man tag or something similar next week to build towards the PPV, but to think I'll actually be there for another Bryan Danielson singles match nearly 15 years after the last is mind blowing.

I want Dante Martin on TV every week. I know he shouldn't be there every week, but he feels so fresh and different from the rest of the show whenever he gets an opportunity. No clue what his ceiling may be but his athleticism and body control are incredible and allow him to turn traditionally impressive spots into something really special. He's also already an impressive seller and more than willing to take some creatively sick bumps to get there as well. Last night was the first time I didn't mind MJF. His schtick usually makes me cringe but outside of screaming "not cheap heat!" that segment was pretty good. But he still comes across as one of the least physically imposing wrestlers around. I'm cool with Cody/Black at Arthur Ashe even if I didn't expect Cody back quite that soon, but they've also gotta give us an Elite vs. Bryan & Co 8/10/12 man, right?

I really, really hope we get Kaze Ni Nare at Arthur Ashe.

Is there any detailed info on when various talent's contracts expire? Curious who else may be poachable in the months ahead.

The first 2 hours of this show were terrific with Bucks/Luchas right there with Bucks vs. Moxley/Kingston as my favorite AEW match of the year. I just wish MJF/Jericho came earlier as the first half could've used a bathroom break.

Wow. Even more amazing than it reads because it feels like we've been watching the same roster for closer to 15 years given how they book and present the product.

Hansen's a top 20 candidate for me. Lawler will not rank. Just never clicked with me at all as someone special.

I've wondered for a while why he doesn't do this. If he doesn't believe he'll ever get the keys to the kingdom, why put up with working there? Go home and enjoy your kids.

I agree with this in theory, but is it even possible if FCW is on national TV? Allowing talent to develop their character and in-ring without giving your base audience the opportunity to formulate opinions on them before they're given an opportunity seemed like a vital part of the process, one that weekly cable TV defeats.

I'm a lot more pumped for the show tonight than I would've thought even a month or 2 ago. Looking forward to seeing how they debut him.

Tremendous post, Elliott. Looking forward to seeing what you put together for others as this type of overview & accompanying list are more than enough to encourage checking out people I haven't done a deep dive on.

Tragic news from Chris Hero tonight. Jahmale could always be counted on for fun wrestling and sports takes and I'm sure dozens (more?) of us owe him a debt of gratitude for all the wrestling he's put online over the years. I don't think its an understatement to suggest he was a key gateway to Japanese wrestling for many in the states. All the best to his friends and family.

I find the entire genre revolting and reason enough to avoid any promotion that features it. I love wrestling, watch too much of it during waking hours that aren't occupied by work or family and also love blood in wrestling. In most instances I think it significantly enhances a match whether planned or not. But this death match nonsense borders on snuff films without the finish.

Its really something how that match writes itself after last night and the last month of Raw, but at least Big E won. Hopefully it leads to something big down the road for people to get behind even if not the program that's been handed to them right now.

Maybe I'm not paying that close attention but I generally can't spot the fake noise as opposed to the legit crowd. It doesn't seem that egregious as I haven't noticed any raucous reactions when the crowd is sitting on its hands.

BIG E! A crowd-pleasing finish. Imagine that.

Ricochet's springboard spot was incredible.

Real rough stretch there with Riddle lazily tossing a ladder nowhere near Big E who had to sell it, then Riddle and Nak barely toe tapping one another and selling it like Cro Cop caught each of them with high kicks.

Charlotte/Rhea was absolutely tremendous. One of the best matches in the company this year. Hopefully the 'Cock gets straightened out quickly.

This is already the best Charlotte and Rhea have worked together. Sufficiently stiff and riding the edge of reckless without looking sloppy. More!